I 



Elgentum c ch 

Ausla tuts 

Stuttqart. 




THE 



ILLUSTRATING MIRROR 



A FUNDAMENTAL ILLUSTRATION 



€\mh Sermon on t\t Utant 



FOR ALL LOVERS OF THE TRUTH TO EXAMINE THEIR FAITH, 

AND TO PROMOTE THEIR OBSERVANCE OF THE DOCTRINES 

OP OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. 



BY JOHN- HERR. 



TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN. 



LANCASTER, PA.: 

PUBLISHED BY ELIAS BARR & CO. 

1858. 





?,^8 13,30 



My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my 
ways. Prov. 23:26. 

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him ; and he 
will shew them his covenant. Ps. 25: 14. 

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed 
them ; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, which said : This 
is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased ; hear ye him. 
Mat. 17:5. 

The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from 
the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him 
shall ye hearken. Deut. 18: 15. 

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came 
by Jesus Christ. John 1 : 17. 

f See that ye refuse not him that speaketh; For if they es- 
caped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more 
shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh 
from heaven. Heb. 12 : 25. 



PEARSOL & GEIST, PRINTERS, LANCASTER. 



enfum d-~ biuisch** 
Stuttgart 



CONTENTS, 



CHAPTER FIRST, 
Contains an elucidation or exposition of the eight blessings, 
as far as the 20 th verse, wherein is clearly set forth the man- 
ner in which a man is led by grace from a state of humility, 
step by step, till he becomes a child of God, the light of the 
the world, and the salt of the earth. 2. Six fundamental 
articles of proof. 3. A serious address to the reader's con- 
science. 4. A fundamental representation of Christ, and a 
warning to awakened and converted sinners, as also an exhor- 
tation to stedfastness for the consolation of their troubled souls. 
5. An illustration of the manner in which Christ fulfilled the 
law for us, 

CHAPTER SECOND, 
Embraces a portion from the 20th to the 26th verse. 1. Of 
the righteousness of the pharisees. 2. Of the righteousness 
which exceeds that of the pharisees. 3. Of the manner in 
which a man should conduct himself towards his brethern or 
fellow men. 4. Of the prison of hell. 5. A well grounded 
exhortation to all men. 

CHAPTER THIRD, 

Embraces a portion from the 27th verse to the end of the 
chapter. 1. Of adultery and offending members. 2. Of the 
married state. 3. Of oaths. 4. A man should not resist evil- 
5. A man should be thus minded, not only towards his brethren* 
but also towards all men. 6. Who are qualified for this. 
a2 



IV CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER FOURTH, 
Embraces a part of the 6th chapter, from the 1st to the 4th 
verse, and treats of the manner in which alms should be given. 

CHAPTER FIFTH, 
Embraces a portion from the 5th to the 15th verse. 1. An 
address to the reader. 2. Of the prayer of the old and new 
phctrisees. 3. Whose prayer is acceptable to God. 4. Treats 
of the Lord's prayer. 

CHAPTER SIXTH, 
Embraces a portion from the 16th verse to the end of the 
chapter. 1. That a man should in all his actions have regard 
to the honor of God. 2. That a man should not lay up trea- 
sure on earth, but in heaven. 3. What the single eye is, and 
that a man should cut off the offending members. 4. Of hea- 
thenish cares, and that we should use the world and not 
abuse it. 

CHAPTER SEVENTH, 

Embraces a part of the seventh chapter, from the 1st to the 
7th verse, namely, one man should not judge another by his 
own reason or wisdom, but should commit all judgment to the 
Spirit of God, by whom the children of God shall judge the 
world. 

CHAPTER EIGHTH 

Embraces a portion from the 7th to the 15th verse. 1. It 
is shown how necessary the knowledge of ourselves is, if we 
would come to Christ. 2. That prayer is the means by which 
hungry souls draw nigh to Christ. 3. After the mystic death 
a man springs to life and becomes a new creature. 4. The 
life and increase of the new man consists in the spirit and 
gospel of Jesus Christ. 6. The reason why few are saved, is, 
that the gate is straight and the way narrow. 6. A represen- 
tation of the great dangers a person is exposed to of being 
misled in regard to the reality of his conversion. 



CONTENTS. V 

CHAPTER NINTH, 
Embraces a portion from the 15th verse to the end of the 
chapter, wherein it is explained how a person must know the 
false prophets and try them by the doctrine of Christ. It 
contains, in addition, a call to the teachers of the present day, 
as also to the common people. 

CHAPTER TENTH, 

An exhortation to my beloved brethren and sisters in Christ 
Jesus, for the encouragement and edification of their souls, in 
which are brought into view the love of God, and its nature 
and disposition, and its operation in the souls that possess it. 



A3 



PEEFACE. 



Gentle and Pious Reader : We live in 
an age, in which a tendency to licentiousness 
exerts a powerful influence, the world being 
filled with all kinds of erroneous and perverted 
writings, for the most part the productions of 
philosophy and human reason, by which the 
truth is held in unrighteousness and the word 
of God adulterated ; the pure and evangelical 
doctrine has been rendered cloudy and obscure 
before the eyes and hearts of men, in conse- 
quence of which many candid inquirers are 
distracted and perplexed; a circumstance 
which gave me great anxiety, particularly 
when I observed so many poor wandering 
sheep drinking the impure water of false doc- 
trine, which the faithless shepherds have 
rendered turbid with the feet of their philo- 
sophic wisdom. I have, therefore, been in- 
duced by the internal impulse of the Spirit to 
publish this work, constituting a clear mirror, 

a4 



Vlll PREFACE. 

in which every man may view himself and 
observe his shape, provided he proceeds cor 
rectly in the examination; for it contains, 
properly speaking, an illustration of Christ's 
sermon on the mount, which sermon every 
body will doubtless look upon as a mirror of 
all such christians as are dead unto the law 
and married unto another, namely unto him 
who is risen from the dead, inasmuch as in 
this discourse he has displayed before our 
eyes and hearts a doctrine which stands in 
direct opposition to our carnal desires and 
corrupted humanity. Hence so few are found 
in our time who regulate the conduct of their 
lives by this doctrine, or act in conformity 
with its requisitions ; for they love the pleas- 
ures of this world more than they love God, 
although Christ himself, in the conclusion of 
his sermon, declares, Whosoever heareth these 
sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken 
him unto a. wise man, who built his house 
upon a rock, and the rain descended, and the 
floods came, and the winds blew and beat 
upon that house ; and it fell not, for it was 
founded upon a rock. And every one that 
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them 



PREFACE. IX 

not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who 
built his house upon the sand ; and the rain 
descended, and the floods came, and the winds 
blew and beat upon that house ; and it fell, 
and great was the fall of it that these 
words might sink deep into the hearts of all 
men; then would they not draw water any 
longer from the impure cisterns of human 
wisdom and corrupted writings, but they 
would resort to the true fountain of life, Christ 
Jesus, and draw from his doctrine the pure 
water of eternal life, which would become in 
them wells of divine wisdom springing up 
into everlasting life, and far transcending all 
the wisdom of this world. 

Well, then, all ye fellow "travelers to eterni- 
ty, into whose hands this book may fall, peruse 
it in the spirit of true devotion, and criticise 
upon it not according to your own sentiments, 
lest it may become a savor of death unto 
death ; but consider it well, and weigh it in 
the balance of God's word, and then, if you 
give ear^to the testimony of Christ and his 
Spirit, and to the witness of your own con- 
science, it may become a savor of life unto 
life. Would to God that you can read it with 

a5 



X PREFACE. 

the same feelings and emotions, with the same 
openness of heart and mind, which, by the 
grace of God, I experienced while writing it ; 
I rest assured it would then produce within 
you its blessed operation. 

But to return : In this little book you will 
no doubt meet with doctrines which are not 
at all pleasing to your nature, and which will 
not quadrate with your carnal wisdom ; this, 
however, must perish in you, or you cannot 
understand this discourse, for it must be spir- 
itually discerned. 

Now, I venture to say, that in this book 
there may be found medicine for every soul 
that knows how to make a proper use of it ; 
for he who is impenitent and carnal-minded 
will have his dangerous disease pointed out, 
as also the means necessary to effect his re- 
covery ; nevertheless the medicines for dis- 
eases of the soul taste bitter and unpleasant, 
are acrid and pungent, so much so, that a 
person who is not sensible of the extreme 
danger of his sickness, will despise and mur- 
mur at them, and as a matter of course, will 
be unwilling to take them. Again, I am per- 
suaded, that all who feel their sickness and 



PREFACE. XI 

experience the pain of their sins, will employ 
the means prescribed for their cure. For these 
in particular, namely, for all health-seeking 
souls who are scattered abroad in the world, 
like sheep having no true shepherd, is my 
heart's concern, that I may serve them with 
my humble talents ; for their salvation is near 
my heart, if, haply, I might win some to 
Christ, and promote their eternal felicity by 
means of this humble performance. 

This work is likewise intended for all my 
beloved brethren and sisters in God, here and 
in other places, for admonition and self-ex- 
examination, as also for their encouragement 
and consolation, so that every one may exert 
himself in order to please God, and walk 
worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ ; for it is 
his will that we preserve our soul and body 
pure and undefiled from all the unrighteous- 
ness of sin and of false doctrine, that he may 
have pleasure in us ; for it is his will that we 
render our members weapons of righteous- 
ness, and press forward with him, as spiritual 
soldiers, in the contest against the world, the 
devil, sin and the flesh. But this appears in 

a6 



Xll PREFACE. 

the eyes of the world to be an irksome and 
laborious life, yet to pardoned souls it is a 
pleasant and heart-quickening life, which they 
bring forth, after godliness, in the mind and 
disposition of the Lord Jesus ; for they are 
the good trees which bring forth no corrupt 
fruit ; they are the fruitful branches in the 
vine Jesus, which can bring forth no other 
fruit (if they abide in him) than what partakes 
of the nature of the vine ; for they are meek 
and lowly of heart; they are spiritual and 
spiritually minded; they are peaceable and 
patient, merciful and compassionate ; their 
hatred is changed into love, their envy into 
forbearance, their life is pure and undefiled, 
their words are gracious, serving for edifica- 
tion ; their yea is yea, and their nay, nay ; 
they resist not evil by force ; they contend not 
by law in temporal concerns, but much rather 
manifest love towards those who inflict injuries 
upon them, by doing them good, and even 
praying for them ; they impart freely to per- 
sons in need and distress ; they walk forward 
within the pale of godliness, nor ever stop till 
they arrive at the boundary of perfection ; in 



PREFACE. Xlll 

the contest they divest themselves of every en- 
cumbrance, lest, being overcome, they should 
lose the crown of lifa 

This must be the tenor of our life on this 
side the grave, if we think of inheriting with 
Christ, in the regions of bliss, the never fading 
crown of everlasting life, as may be seen in 
the connection of Christ's sermon on the 
mount 

But this is the cost which we are to count, 
and the great and momentous undertaking, 
concerning which it is incumbent upon us to 
sit down and consider fully and dispassion- 
ately, whether we shall ever be able to ac- 
complish it Christ and his doctrine must 
serve for the foundation upon which the whole 
building is to be laid and the superstructure 
erected ; and for this purpose (inasmuch as 
we are too poor of ourselves, either to com- 
mence this edifice, or bring it to a state of 
completion) we are necessitated to secure the 
kind assistance of God, and obtain the right 
and privilege of entering his treasury and 
taking out such funds as may be found re- 
quisite for the carrying on and completion of 
this vast and important design. That is to 



XIV PREFACE. 

say, the way to the compassionate heart of 
Jesus must be opened unto us by faith towards 
God, that we may receive from the heart of 
Jesus, out of the rich treasury and fulness of 
God, grace for grace, by which we are enabled 
to complete the whole in the most firm and 
substantial manner ; so that neither the tem- 
pests of the devil, nor the rains and floods of 
temptation, which beat upon this edifice, shall 
be able to prevail against it. 

But if we are desirous of finding the way 
to the heart of Jesus, it is necessary for us, in 
the first place, to discover our poverty, our 
inability, and our incompetency either to be- 
gin of ourselves or superintend this spiritual 
building, which Christ in the introduction of 
his sermon plainly presupposes, saying, Bless- 
ed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 
kingdom of heaven. This humility and deep 
self-abasement must be firmly grounded in 
us, so that we may place no reliance upon 
ourselves, which Paul, the wise, deeply skilled 
and highly enlightened architect, was well 
acquainted with from experience ; for he says, 
our sufficiency is not of ourselves, but of God 
He was able to do all things only through 



PREFACE. XV 

him that strengthened him, namely Christ, by 
whose word and spirit he was rendered wise, 
skilful, and competent for the erection of this 
spiritual edifice, and has become a shining 
example for our imitation. So that we should 
take heed how we build upon this founda- 
tion, having Paul and the other apostles for 
examples, by which we can see how we ought 
to build ; for as they followed Christ, so ought 
we, having their example, to follow him also, 
that we may have part with him, and he be- 
come our all, so that he may work all things 
in us, both to do, to speak, and to urge on 
according to his good pleasure. how glo- 
rious and god-like is that soul who remains 
quite nothing and insignificant in her outward 
nature, so that Christ, residing in her inward 
part, may direct and influence all her move- 
ments. What a sweet and heavenly rest does 
she not find in her Saviour, who has chosen 
her as the place of his abode. Here the sen^ 
suality of the outward man vanishes entirely 
away, for now the soul esteems entirely as 
folly all carnal and philosophic wisdom, and 
goes on increasing by continued accessions 
of glory in the presence of the Lord Jesus; in 



XVI PREFACE. 

consequence of which she is enabled, accord- 
ing to the doctrine of Christ, to try the spirits, 
whether they are of God, or whether they 
make a glorious display, in semblance of the 
light, by means of signs and lying wonders 
and a deceptive exhibition of power. Be- 
cause the foolishness of God is wiser than 
men, and the weakness of God is stronger 
than men. 1 Cor. I: 25. 

Therefore, friends and fellow travelers to 
eternity, I come unto you in this little book, 
not with high sounding words or profound- 
ness of wisdom, by which to make known to 
you the gospel of God ; but I have endeav- 
ored, according to the pleasure of God, by the 
foolishness of preaching, to be instrumental 
in promoting the happiness of them that be- 
lieve. For God knows, I seek in this no honor 
from men, nor any earthly gain ; but I desire 
from my heart, through much prayer and 
supplication to God, that many of those who 
are yet shut up and imprisoned in Babylon, 
may be enabled to embrace the doctrine of 
Christ, and become heirs of eternal salvation. 

Now, I give heartfelt thanks to- the ever- 
lasting mercy of God for his grace, in permit- 



PREFACE. XV11 

ting the light of his Spirit to shine abroad in 
the hearts, and the word of life to take root in 
the souls of many, so that the true faith begins 
to flourish, and the truth of the gospel to beam 
forth and be received and embraced by many. 
Oh, may the bountiful and all- wise God bless 
his word and render it fruitful, not only here 
in our own land, but in all regions and 
countries, to his everlasting praise and the 
glory of his great name here in time, through 
Jesus Christ to all eternity. Amen. 



THE ILLLUSTRATING MIRROR. 



CHAPTER FIRST. 

This chapter comprises first, an elucidation or exposition of the 
eight different blessings, as far as the 20th verse, wherein is 
clearly set forth the manner in which a man is led by grace 
from a state of humility, step by step, till he becomes a child 
of God, the light of the world, and the salt of the earth. 2. 
Six fundamental articles of proof. 3. A serious address to 
the reader's conscience. 4. A fundamental representation 
of Christ, and warning to awakened and converted sinners, 
as also an exhortation to steadfastness, for the consolation 
of their troubled souls. 5. An illustration of the manner in 
which Christ fulfilled the law for us. 

I. 

The Lord Jesus says, Matthew 5 : " Blessed 
are the poor in spirit ; for theirs is the kingdom 
of heaven." 

This is the state of mind with which a per- 
son must be made acquainted, before he is 
meet for the kingdom of God, or fit for the 
gospel of Christ ; for the kingdom of God must 
be manifested in us through grace; and before 
it is manifested in us and received by us, the 
kingdom of Satan must be destroyed, the 



20 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

strong man must be divested of his armor and 
deprived of his spoil ; we must be stripped of 
all our self-imagined and false righteousness, 
which, out of self-love and self-complacency, 
we lay claim to by reason of our own good 
works ; our self-will, self-love and self-suffi- 
ciency must be done away ; all the weapons 
of self-efficacy must be destroyed ; for as long 
as we retain these things in possession, we 
are not poor in spirit ; we are yet rich in our- 
selves, and unconscious that we are wretched, 
and miserable, and poor, and blind, and nak- 
ed, (Rev. 3: 17) ; and in this wretched condi- 
tion we rest satisfied; for self-love, like a 
subtle and luciferian serpent, has so blinded 
us, that we do not perceive the clear light of 
the gospel reflected from the brightness of 
Christ ; and therefore Jesus calls upon and 
counsels us to purchase of him gold tried in 
the fire. For all which we do not receive 
•from him, is but earth and dross, nay, a futile 
and damnable vanity, for which a man should 
have a just abhorrence ; nay, he should aban- 
don his selfish principles, forsake his imagi- 
nary riches, and cast away his false right- 
eousness, which is but a filthy and unclean 
rag, (Isaiah 60:6,) and go to Christ, his faithful 
counsellor, and obtain from him the gold of 
precious faith, refined in the fire of grace, and, 
by virtue of the same faith, put on the pure 
and white robe of righteousness, applying to 
his heart the eye-salve of the Holy Spirit, that 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 21 

he may have a light constantly shining on 
his path, whereby he may be enabled to walk 
and watch, and keep his garments, lest he 
walk naked. 

' For as much as it is evident, that man is 
by nature sinful, impure, blind and ignorant 
in spiritual things, and estranged from the 
life that cometh from God, Christ hath ap- 
peared as the true light that lighteth every 
man that cometh into the world (John l) ; 
which light is continually striving, in order 
to convince men and open their eyes to a 
sense of their miserable condition, that they 
may be made partakers of eternal felicity. 
But if a man persists in shutting the door of 
his heart, and hardens himself in sins, loving 
them more than his own soul, or him who 
created heaven and earth and all that is 
therein ; if he walks according to the will of 
the flesh and the light of reason ; if he will not 
receive the love of the truth, that he may be 
saved : then God at length sends him strong 
delusions, that he shall believe a lie ; that all 
may be damned who believe not the truth, 
but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 
Thess. 2: 11, 12. 

But when, on the contrary, a man opens 
his heart to the reception of this saving grace, 
and permits the light of Christ to shine in 
upon his soul ; then the land of darkness and 
gloom will be illuminated, according to the 
saying of the prophet: "The people that 



22 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

walked in darkness have seen a great light ; 
they that dwell in the land of the shadow of 
death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou 
hast multiplied the nation and not increased 
the joy ; they joy before thee according to the 
joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they di- 
vide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke 
of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, 
the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of 
Midian. Is. 9. 

Now, my dear friend, awake thou that 
sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ 
shall give thee light, (Eph. 5 : 14) ; and when 
he illuminates the dark recesses of thy heart, 
and discovers unto thee the perverseness of 
thy way while sitting in the shadow of death, 
and begins to guide thy feet in the path of 
peace, (Luke 17: 9,) then wilt thou shudder 
at thyself and perceive, through the medium 
of this light, the enormity of thy guilt ; yea, 
thou wilt be convinced that thy evil passions 
raged like a tempestuous sea, and that out of 
thy heart proceeded evil thoughts, adulteries, 
fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, 
wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, 
blasphemy, pride, foolishness, and the like 
evil things, which have defiled thee. Mark 
7: 21, 22. Here, my reader, thou art led to 
a discovery of the sinful nature of thy former 
life ; which circumstance does not excite thy 
joy, but produces a far greater sorrow and 
anguish of heart before the Lord ; for thou 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 23 

seest with open eyes, that thy sins have sep- 
arated thee and thy God ; that in consequence 
of this separation, thou hast nothing to look 
for but death and eternal destruction, unless 
thou findest an atonement in the mediation 
of the Lord Jesus, which thy soul longeth for 
with anxious prayers and tears, if haply thou 
mightest incline him to pity, that he may 
speedily impart the gift of his grace. If thou 
dbst not obtain thy request immediately, thou 
wilt perhaps get discouraged and think that 
God does not hear thy prayer ; but remember 
that God setteth thee, first, under the law, as 
a schoolmaster, who chastises thee, displays 
in vivid colors the terrors of damnation, and 
keeps thee shut out from the faith which 
should afterwards be revealed ; for the law is 
our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that 
we may be justified through faith. Gal. 3 : 
23, 24. 

At the same time Satan approaches, and 
smiting and wounding us with his deadly and 
poisonous darts, endeavors to rob us of all our 
faith, and make us doubt, or entirely to deprive 
us of the grace of a compassionate Jesus, 
whereby we may remain a prey in his hellish 
grasp. And the better to effectuate this, he 
overwhelms such a troubled person with a 
flood of evil and impure thoughts, yea, often- 
times with abominable blasphemies ; and this 
at the time of his best services, as prayer, 
reading and meditation ; which thing gives 



24' THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

rise in his mind to so great horror, that he does 
not know which way to turn himself; for, 
thinks he, how shall I obtain grace of God, 
whom in my thoughts I blaspheme, and unto 
whom I am unable to address a prayer of 
faith ; and what is not of faith is sin, (Rom. 
14 : 23,) and he that asketh doubting, receiv- 
eth nothing. James 1: 6,7. Here the combat 
rages, here the soul is oppressed with the 
slavery and bondage of Pharaoh or the devil ; 
Christ now is willing to release the soul and 
bring it into the land of promise, but before 
this can be accomplished, our nature has to 
be afflicted by the rod of Moses with many 
sufferings in the land of Egypt, till at length 
our innate and sinful propensities be exter- 
minated by the hand of the destroying angel, 
and our souls be preserved by the blood of 
the Lamb, which produces reconciliation. 
Then the soul takes her departure and enters 
with gladness upon the happy journey towards 
the land of promise. But in a short time she 
reaches the wilderness, and soon after arrives 
at the Red Sea of redemption, in which she 
shall be released from her primitive bondage ; 
through this sea she must now pass, but is 
not yet able to discover any possible way, 
because the mysteries of God are not yet re- 
vealed. And now there occur new proofs, 
new temptations, new anguish and new trials, 
in order to test our weak faith ; for Satan 
menaces the soul with utter destruction, and 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 25 

this causes her to cry the more earnestly unto 
God and long for his assistance, who at last 
opens unto her the way of faith through the 
atoning blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in 
which the soul finds a heretofore incredible 
deliverance from all the temptations by which 
she had been held in bondage ; nor can she 
refrain from blessing and praising God, for 
she sees now that the yoke of her burden, the 
staff of her shoulder and the rod of her op- 
pressor are broken ; she joys according to the 
joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they 
divide the spoil. Isaiah 9. Yea, at this time 
she can by no means believe that she shall 
soon find bitter water, new temptations and 
a want of consolation ; all which, notwith- 
standing, will have to be encountered ; nay, 
a spiritual warfare will have to be maintained 
against the world, the flesh and the devil, 
which must all be subdued by faith ; and an 
entrance thus made into the land of promise ; 
Jericho must be destroyed and the Canaanites 
slain ; the inhabitants of the land, who are 
proscribed by the Lord, must be rooted out, 
extirpated and made tributary ; that is, all our 
carnal lust and sinful impurity must be utterly 
destroyed and brought in subjection to the 
spirit, that at length Jerusalem, the city of 
peace, may be built up within us, the sanc- 
tuary and temple be consecrated by the 
peaceable Solomon, Christ Jesus, and thus we 



26 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

become the temple of the Holy Ghost, wherein 
God may move and dwell. 2 Cor. 6. 

These are the means by which God strips, 
divests and humiliates us, that we may stand 
before him comfortless, void of counsel and 
destitute of help, and in this humility of spirit 
may exclaim with Saul and say, Lord, what 
wilt thou have me to do ? or with those on 
the day of Pentecost, What shall we do, that 
we may be saved ? Acts 2. All the destitute 
and poor in spirit, who have despaired of 
their own strength and former services, who 
have sought counsel from the Lord alone, and 
become desirous of living according to his 
will, have attained the kingdom of heaven. 
Wherefore Christ says, Come unto me, all ye 
that labor and- are heavy laden, and I will 
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and 
learn of me ; for I am meek and lowly in 
heart ; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 
Matt, 11:28, 29. 

A person thus poor in spirit, discovers sal- 
vation in no other name but the name of 
Jesus ; for which reason he approaches him 
with all his burden, desiring grace, not only 
to become happy, but grace to bear his yoke, 
and follow him wherever he goeth. For he 
looks now unto Christ, and desires medicine 
of him, in order to be cured of his sickness, 
like the woman who had the issue of blood. 
Matthew 9. Mark 5. Hence he will soon 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 27 

hear, Thy faith hath made thee whole ; be it 
unto thee as thou wilt. Reader, I wish thee 
to mark, that herein thou canst perceive, that 
real humility of spirit constitutes the entrance 
to the gospel ; for what poverty did not Christ 
undergo for our example ! and what humil- 
iations and temptations did he not sustain in 
the wilderness, after the baptism of repentance, 
before he entered upon his ministry! For 
though he was rich, yet for your sakes he 
became poor, that ye through his poverty 
might be rich. 2 Cor. 9. Yea, by reason of 
the poverty and temptations which he suf- 
fered, he is become compassionate towards 
our weakness, and a faithful high priest to 
make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 
Heb. 2: 17. Chap. 4: 15. Therefore Christ 
commenced his sermon on the mount in these 
words, " Blessed are the poor in spirit ; for 
theirs is the kingdom of heaven ;" for he was 
well aware that the Jews were rich in them- 
selves ; because they considered themselves 
the children of Abraham, and placed their 
reliance in the law, seeking to attain that 
righteousness by the works of the law, which 
is attained by faith alone. Rom. 9. Hence 
he signified to them, that it is only upon the 
poor in spirit that he bestows his kingdom ; 
that he is come to seek those only who feel 
in themselves that they are lost, to heal none 
but the sick, (Matt. 9: 12. Luke 5: 31, 32.) 



28 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim 
liberty to the captives, and the opening of the 
prison door to them that are bound ; as is 
plainly shown us in the gospel. Luke 4:18, 
19. Isaiah 61: 1. 

Now, Christ has exhibited in his sermon 
eight different blessings to serve as a mirror, 
in which we professing christians may see 
whether we have become partakers of the 
same, and having passed by saving grace 
through these grades of blessings, are born 
peaceable children of God. For these bless- 
ings must succeed one another,and be wrought 
up in us unto a true life of faith in God, 
through Christ Jesus, that we may, in truth, 
be the light of the world and the salt of the 
earth. 

Christ says, first : — 

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit ;for theirs 
is the kingdom of heaven. Verse 3. 

glorious promise ! But can so poor a 
creature believe this ? Nay, almost any thing 
better than this ; for he considers himself en- 
tirely too poor and unworthy ; he smites his 
breast much more and prays, God be merci- 
ful unto me a sinner, (Luke 18: 13,) or says 
with the lost son, I have sinned against heaven 
and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to 
be called thy son ; make me as one of thy 
hired servants. Luke 15. From this humility 
of spirit, and lowliness of heart, proceeds the 
second blessing: 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 29 

2. Blessed are they that mourn ; for they 
shall be comforted. Verse 11. 

glorious promise to all those troubled 
souls, who, through humility of spirit and 
deep self abasement, with anxious sorrow and 
mourning, lie in their wretchedness before 
God, waiting for his help,, until in them be 
fulfilled what was spoken of the Lord by the 
prophet, saying : " They that wait upon the 
Lord shall renew their strength, they shall 
mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall 
run and not be weary, and walk and not 
faint." Isaiah 40: 31. Yea, to all such mourn- 
ing souls he says : " Fear not, for I am with 
you : be not dismayed, for I am your God : 
I will strengthen you ; yea, I will help you ; 
yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of 
my righteousness, (chap. 41 : 10) : For a small 
moment have I forsaken thee, but with great 
mercies will I gather thee. Chap. 54 : 7, 8. 
But can such a bruised reed, or such a smok- 
ing flax believe this ? Ah ! no ; for judgment 
is not yet sent forth unto victory. Matt. 12: 
20. God, in the progress of his spiritual work, 
plants, rears and supports us in humility and 
sorrow of heart, that the honor may not be 
unto us, but the praise unto God, (2 Cor. 3 : 
5,) who continually carries on his work within 
us ; for from this humility and sorrow of heart 
there will arise meekness. 

3. Blessed are the meek ; for they shall in- 
herit the earth. Verse 5. 



30 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

precious promise ! that a man has in 
meekness been so far renewed in the image 
of God, that, by reason of the mild nature or 
disposition of Christ, which he has already- 
acquired in humility of spirit and godly sor- 
row, he can rule and inherit the earth, by 
which, in compliance with his carnal will, he 
was held so long in bondage. Such a person 
can find no resting place here in his godly 
progress, but as a stranger and pilgrim in the 
earth, he presses on with great ardor towards 
the mark for the heavenly prize, hungering 
and thirsting after the righteousness of Christ 
Phil. 3: 14. 1 Pet. 2: 11. 

4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst 
after righteousness ; for they shall be filed. 
Verse 6. 

glorious promise to all those hungry and 
thirsting souls, who hunger no more after the 
world, to be delighted therein, whose affec- 
tions are no . longer set upon things on the 
earth, namely, the lust of the flesh, the delight 
of the eye, and the pride of life, temporal 
pleasure and worldly honor ; but hunger after, 
and seek for, those things which are above, 
where Christ is, on the right hand of God 
(Col. 3: 1, 2) ; for they are dead, in humility 
of spirit, unto the world and all false right- 
eousness, and their life (which remains yet 
in weakness) is hid with Christ in God, (verse 
3) ; so that they live no more unto themselves, 
but unto Christ, who died for them and rose 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 31 

again. 2 Cor. 5: 15. Rom. 14: 7. Where- 
fore Christ is their life, and when Christ, who 
is their life, shall appear, then shall they also 
appear with him in glory. Col. 3 : 4. This 
is the consolation for all hungering souls, that 
they shall at length be satisfied and be filled 
with all the fulness of God, (Eph. 3: 19); 
hence they wait with patience till the time 
arrives when they shall receive the rich treas- 
ure which is poured out to them through the 
promises ; at the same time they look back 
with eyes of pity and hearts of compassion 
upon their fellow men who take delight in 
the frivolity of the world, and would fain see 
them forsake the vain and transitory pleasures 
of this life for the enjoyment of eternal felicity 
in Christ Jesus. For they are convinced that 
there is no happiness but in following Jesus 
and seeking his righteousness, which is, not- 
withstanding, proffered to all who come for- 
ward and yield themselves up to the discipline 
of saving grace, deny their ungodliness and 
worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously 
and godly in this present world, looking for 
the blessed hope and glorious appearing of 
the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem 
us from all iniquity, (Tit. 2) ; for so an en- 
trance shall be ministered unto you abun- 
dantly into the everlasting kingdom of our 
I^ord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet, 1 : 11. 
When a man has lost, in humility of spirit 



32 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

and godly sorrow, all his own strength, self- 
righteousness and honor, and has been made 
sensible of the divine power of the nature of 
Christ, by which he is enabled to hunger and 
thirst after the righteousness which Christ has 
acquired for him, then he longs and sighs, 
waits and hopes, believes and loves, till it 
pleases God further to impart his heavenly 
treasures, for which he continually hungers 
and thirsts ; for blessed are they that hunger 
and thirst after righteousness, for they shall 
be filled. 

5. Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall 
obtain mercy. Verse 7. 

By this hungering after the spiritual riches 
in Christ Jesus, a man acquires charity and 
compassion towards his fellow creatures 
whom he sees living in blindness, not think- 
ing of the salvation after which he himself 
hungers ; he is tenderly inclined by compas- 
sion and love for their souls, to pray for them, 
that God may open their eyes and turn them 
from darkness to his marvellous light; for such 
a person desires that all men may see what 
he sees, and seek what he seeks, that they 
may with him be eternally happy. But when, 
in opposition to his wish, he finds nearly every 
where the very reverse of this, and has suffered 
much gainsaying from his friends and rela- 
tions ; then do vexation and sorrow take 
possession of his heart, and he exclaims with 
Jeremiah, " that my head were waters, and - 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 33 

mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might 
weep day and night for the slain of the daugh- 
ter of my people." Jer. 9: 1. Yea, he prays 
for his enemies 5 he renders good for evil ; he 
blesses in his heart those that curse him ; he 
commits himself to him that judgeth right- 
eously, according to the example of his Lord, 
(1 Pet. 2: 23. Chap. 4: 19); for this is the 
true consolation and precious promise given 
by Christ, under the influence of which the 
soul is soothed into calm and quiet resigna- 
tion. Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall 
obtain mercy. what compassion ! It 
cleanses the heart, it sanctifies the soul 
through the blood of Jesus, wherewith our 
conscience is purged from dead works to serve 
the living God. Heb. 9: 14. 

6. Blessed are the pure in heart ; for they 
shall see God. Verse 8. 

Here a man is filled with joy in the con* 
temptation of God ; here he beholds the new 
and living way which entereth into that within 
the vail, whither the forerunner is for us en- 
tered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever 
after the order of Melchisidec. Heb. 6:19, 20. 
A man perceives now through faith the sat- 
isfaction, the righteousness, the mediation and 
the atonement of Christ by the offering up of 
himself for our sins ; he is sensible that Jesus 
is made unto us the wisdom of God for re- 
demption, for justification and for sanctifica- 
tion. 1 Cor. 1: 10. 2 Cor. 5: 21. Yea, he 



34 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

perceives that God is reconciled unto him by 
the death of his son, and that like a faithful 
father he has not spared his own son, but has 
given him up for us all. He now discovers 
that God is willing, with Christ, freely to give 
him all things, (Rom. 8 : 32) yea, exceeding 
abundantly above all that he asketh or think- 
eth, according to the power that worketh in 
him, (Eph. 3 : 20) by means of which he 
begins to comprehend with all saints, what is 
the breadth, and length, and depth, and height 
of his love; and also to know the love of 
Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge, that 
he may be filled with the fulness of God (Eph. 
3: IS, 19) ; and in this new and living way 
that entereth within the vail, he sees the sanc- 
tuary of God, the mercy seat of Christ, where 
the Lord speaks free the soul and gives her 
heavenly peace. And, 

7. Blessed are the peace-makers ; for they 
shall be called the children of God. Verse 9. 

0, it doth not yet appear what they shall 
be ; but when he shall appear they shall be 
like him, and see him as he is ; and having 
this hope in them, they purify themselves, 
even as he is pure. 1 John 3 : 2. For the 
peace of God surpasses all human wisdom 
and understanding ; it softens and quickens 
the heart, causing it to abound in love towards 
God and man ; it enables a man to love his 
greatest enemies and to pray sincerely for 
them, even if they should persecute him and 



f 

THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 35 

put him to death. Acts 7:59. Luke 2 3 : 34. 
And, as they love God, they are conscious 
that all things will work together for their 
good, (Rom. 8 : 28) and reckon that the suf- 
ferings of this present time are not to be com- 
pared with the glory which shall be revealed 
in them, (chap. 8: 18,) for they are now justi- 
fied by faith and have peace with God, 
through their Lord Jesus Christ, by whom 
also they have access by faith unto this grace 
wherein they stand, and rejoice in hope of 
the glory of God (Rom. 5 : 12) ; and not only 
so, but they glory also in tribulations ; know- 
ing that tribulation worketh patience ; and 
patience experience; and experience hope; 
and hope maketh not ashamed ; because the 
love of God is shed abroad in their hearts by 
the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. 
(Verses 3, 4, 5.) Therefore they rejoice, in- 
asmuch as they are partakers of Christ's suf- 
ferings (1 Pet. 4: 13); for 

8. Blessed are they which are persecuted for 
righteousness sake ; for theirs is the king- 
dom of heaven. Verse 10. 

precious promise to all the suffering 
children of God ! for what should they desire 
more than the kingdom of God, to be with 
Christ and behold his glory which he had 
before the foundation of the world, and to sing 
with apostles and prophets, with angels and 
seraphim, the song of redeeming love, the 
everlasting hallelujah unto God and the Lamb 



36 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

in the new Jerusalem, where there is no need 
of the sun, nor of the moon, nor of any star, 
but the glory of God enlighteneth it Rev. 
21: 23. 0, should not this strengthen them 
in time of their tribulation ! Should it not 
constrain them to exclaim, " What ^shall sep- 
arate us from the love of God ? Shall tribu- 
lation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, 
or nakedness, or peril, or sword, angels or 
principalities, or any other creature? no ! 
nothing, nothing shall separate us from the 
love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Rom. 
8. For blessed are ye, when men shall revile 
you, and persecute you, and shall say all 
manner of evil against you falsely, for my 
sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad ; for 
great is your reward in heaven ; for so they 
persecuted the prophets which were before 
you. Verse 11. This is the consolation 
which is held out to such persons ; for which 
reason they possess their souls in patience, 
knowing that God will bring their works unto 
judgment ; wherefore they commit all things 
unto him who will judge righteously, and 
reward every man according to his deeds. 

Now Christ may well say to all persons, 
who, being peace-makers, are sanctified in 
God, Ye are the salt of the earth, yea, the 
costly spice which possesses the power of 
preserving the wide extended and sinful 
world ; for had God found but ten righteous 
men in Sodom and Gomorrah and the adja- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 37 

cent cities, he would have spared all those 
places for the ten's saka Gen. 18. 

Had not the children of God, in the first 
age of the world, become carnal-minded, 
uniting themselves with the posterity of Cain, 
God had never destroyed the world ; but since 
the salt had lost its savor, wherewith could 
God season it ? It was thenceforth good for 
nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under 
foot of men. Even so in this age of the gos- 
pel ; as long as this salt retains its savor, so 
long will the world stand ; but when Christ 
shall find no more faith, when love shall wax 
cold, when it shall come to pass as at the time 
of Noah, when all flesh took their own way ; 
and as it was in the days of Lot ; they did 
eat, they drank, they married and were given 
in marriage, they bought, they sold, they 
planted, they builded, they committed all 
kinds of Sodomitish abominations, (Luke 17) 
which exist at this time to so alarming an 
extent ; then shall Christ appear in glory with 
his saints, and be admired in all them that 
believe, and in flaming fire shall take ven- 
geance on them that know not God and that 
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ; 
who shall be punished with everlasting de- 
struction from the presence of the Lord and 
the glory of his power. 2 Thess. chap. 1. 

II. 

Wherefore, beloved man, awake and learn 

B 



38 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

from the above mirror whether thou hast 
experienced this humility and sorrow of heart. 
If thou hast not had this experience, but re- 
mainest in thy natural state, although thou 
hast been baptized and art a professor of this 
or that religion, it will not profit thee the least ; 
for thou art yet in thy uncleanness, and unto 
them that are defiled is nothing pure, but even 
their mind and conscience is defiled, being 
abominable and unto every good work repro- 
bate. Tit 1: 15, 16. For so long as thou 
remainest in thy original impurity or in the 
old creature, and sufferest not thyself to be 
brought by the salutary chastisement of grace 
unto a life of godliness, separated from the 
world and founded in humility of spirit, all 
thy reading, praying, singing, going to church, 
all thy imagined religious exercises, alms- 
giving, and such like things, are but sin, in- 
asmuch as they constitute nothing more than 
an appearance of righteousness, for which 
thou shalt receive a more severe condemna- 
tion, as Christ said to the pharisees, Wo unto 
you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites ; for ye 
are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed 
appear beautiful without, but are within full 
of dead men's bones ; for a pretence ye make 
long prayers ; therefore ye shall receive the 
greater condemnation. Matt 23. 

My dear reader, if thou imaginest that thou 
hast experienced this humility of spirit, and 
suffered tribulation for thy sins, examine thy- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 39 

self well, notwithstanding, whether thou hast 
attained unto a true meekness, and by means 
of it possessest the earth and hungerest and 
thirstest aright after the righteousness of God ; 
or whether thou dost not yet remain in bon- 
dage ; whether the earth does not exercise its 
authority over thee ; whether thou dost not 
love the creatures more than God, namely, 
houses and land, gold and silver, wife and 
children, friends and relations, &c., nay, even 
thyself. If it is the case that thou lovest these 
things more than thy Saviour, taking more 
delight in them than in him, and having thy 
thoughts more occupied with them than with 
thy Jesus ; then thou hast no part with him, 
thou dost not hunger and thirst as thou 
oughtest after righteousness ; for a man who 
has attained humility of spirit, gives up all ; 
all these temporal things he freely offers unto 
God, because he is sensible that they are gifts 
bestowed upon us by the Almighty for the 
relief of our temporal wants, in the enjoyment 
of which we should recognize the goodness 
of God, and render unto him unfeigned thanks 
for all his gifts, but should not feast our souls 
upon these things, nor receive from them our 
chief delight ; but our treasure should be laid 
up in heaven, our comfort and our joy should 
be in the law of the Lord, both day and night 
(Ps. 1 : 2. 112 : 1) ; our spiritual meat should 
be to do the will of Jesus. John 4 : 34, and 
6 : 27. Therefore, search thy heart, and scan 

b2 



40 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

thyself well in the six following articles of 
examination, learn the state of thy mind, and 
discover the tendency of thy desires. 

1. Examine thyself when thou awakest 
from thy sleep. Where are thy thoughts ? 
Canst thou say with the prophet, In the way 
of thy judgment, oh Lord, have I waited for 
thee ; the desire of my soul is to thy name, 
and to the remembrance of thee ; with my 
soul have I desired thee in the night, yea, with 
my spirit within me will I seek thee early 
(Isaiah 26 : 8, 9) ; or with the prophet king, 
When I remember thee upon my bed, and 
meditate on thee in the night-watches, I praise 
thee, (Ps. 63: 7,) my tongue shall speak of 
thy righteousness and of thy praise, all the 
day long. Ps. 25: 28. Dost thou trust in 
God at all times, and pour out thy heart be- 
fore him ? and is God alone thy refuge ? Ps. 
62 : 9. If this is the case with thee, God will 
be a present help in every time of need, and 
will comfort thee, filling thee with all the ful- 
ness of God. 

2. Examine thyself when employed in thy 
daily calling. Is even then thy mind engaged 
with God, that thou mayest do something for 
thy poor soul ? Or are thy thoughts chiefly 
absorbed in endeavors to provide for the body, 
which quickly passes away, or in the acqui- 
sition of the riches and treasures of this 
world ? If the latter is thy condition, thou 
hast not hungered aright after righteousness ; 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 41 

the one thing needful is still wanting (Luke 
10 : 42) ; thou art still encumbered with view- 
ing thy land and oxen ; thou art yet bound 
unto a wife ; and therefore thou art prevent- 
ed from being present at the feast of the Lord. 
Luke 14. Thou art yet rich in thy own 
good things, for which cause thou remainest 
destitute of the good things of Christ. Luke 1 : 
53. Thou art yet full of the world, there- 
fore it is said, Wo unto you that are full ! for 
ye shall hunger. Luke 6 : 25. Thou art 
still a servant of the unrighteous mammon, 
and therefore thou canst not serve God. 
Matt. 6 : 24. It is easier for a camel to go 
through the eye of a needle, than for thee in 
thy present state to enter into the kingdom 
of God. Matt. 19 : 24. Luke 18 : 25. 

3. Examine thyself, when, seated at table, 
thou partakest thy meal, whether thou feel- 
est thankfulness arise in thy heart towards 
God for this temporal food, which he hath 
bestowed upon thee as necessary to thy sus- 
tenance ; and whether thou hast a real desire 
that he may not only supply thy body, but 
also satisfy thy soul with good things, that it 
may delight itself in fatness, (Isaiah 55 : 2,) 
and, when thou hast finished thy meal, 
whether thou considerest that thou livest not 
by bread alone, but by every word that pro- 
ceedeth out of the mouth of God, (Matt. 4 : 
4,) and strivest to receive the word of God, 
that it may be engrafted in thee to the saving 

b3 



42 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

of thy soul. James 1 : 21. If thou proceed- 
est not upon this plan, but enjoy est thy meal 
without reflection, having thy heart fixed 
upon earthly things, thou doest nothing more 
than the heathen, thou bearest the name of 
christian unjustly and in vain, nay, thou 
hungerest not after righteousness. 

4. Examine thyself when thou hast fin- 
ished thy daily business, and see whether thy 
heart is not filled with the world and all kinds 
of cares and thoughts about how or what thou 
shalt perform the next day, though thou art 
not certain of living till morning ; or whether 
thou layest all temporal concerns at the feet 
of God, and enterest into meditation with 
thyself and considerest whether thou hast 
finished a day's work in the spirit, that thy 
soul and mind may have acquired something 
for which thou canst praise God and render 
unto him an acceptable sacrifice. But if thou 
actest not in this manner, if thou hast no care 
but that of gaining a livelihood, the day will 
come upon thee as a snare, and thou shalt not 
escape. Luke 21 : 34, 35. 

5. Examine whether thou seekest honor 
from men, and feelest distressed when they 
treat thee with scorn ; whether thou art yet 
irascible and revengeful ; whether thou dost 
not desire to render evil for evil, and railing 
for railing ; whether there do not proceed out 
of thy mouth both blessing and cursing (l 
Pet 3 : 9. James 3 : 10) ; whether thou dost 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 43 

not rejoice when thou hast it in thy power to 
injure thy enemy or adversary, and whether 
thou art not greatly pleased with thyself when 
thou decoratest thyself in a splendid manner, 
in order to conform with the fashions of the 
world. Or art thou dead unto the world, 
seeking naught but the honor that cometh from 
God ? Canst thou rejoice when men revile 
and persecute thee, and say, though falsely, 
all manner of evil of thee ? Matt. 5 : 11, 12. 
Is thy irascible and envious nature become 
changed into a mild, affectionate and sober 
demeanor, so that when a person curses thee, 
thou canst bless him in thy heart, knowing 
that thou art hereunto called, that thou mayest 
inherit the blessing? Canst thou refrain thy 
tongue from evil, and thy lips that they speak 
no guile ? 1 Pet 3 : 9, 10. Canst thou cheer- 
fully pray for thy enemies, and, when in 
necessity, render them assistance ? Hast thou 
acquired, in humility of spirit, a just abhor- 
rence of thyself? Hast thou turned thy back 
upon the friendship of the world ? And are 
they become thy friends who do the will of 
God ? Mark 3 : 34, 35. If these things be 
in thee and abound, thou art made a partaker 
of the promised blessing ; for blessed are they 
that hear the word of God and keep it. Luke 
1 1 : 28. But if thou lackest these things, thou 
hast no part in this salvation, neither art thou 
a real christian ; for to boast of the name of 

b4 



44 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

christian, when our walk declares unto the 
world the contrary, is a mockery of Christ ; 
for he that saith he abideth in him, ought 
himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 

1 John 2 : 6. 

6. Examine whether thou canst still spend 
thy time in idle company, in jesting, in folly 
and all kinds of wantonness; whether thou 
canst still act the hypocrite, like all the false 
prophets, that men may speak well of thee. 
Luke 6 : 26. Or art thou the true salt of the 
earth ? Dost thou confess Christ before an 
adulterous and sinful generation ? Mark 8 : 
38. Art thou clothed with the word of truth 
in the power of God, by the armor of right- 
eousness, on the right hand and on the left ? 

2 Cor. 6 : 7. Art thou a light to the world, 
and a city built on a hill, that thy good works 
may appear unto all men ? Dost thou add 
to thy faith, virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ; 
and to knowledge, temperance ; and to tem- 
perance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ; 
and to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to 
brotherly kindness, charity ? For if these 
things be in thee and abound, they make thee 
that thou shalt be neither barren nor unfruit- 
ful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ; 
but if thou lackest these things, thou art blind 
and canst not see afar off, and (although thou 
wast once purified) thou hast forgotten that 
thou wast purged from thy old sins. 2 Pet 1. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 45 



III. 

Now, my dear reader, pause here a while ; 
seriously reflect upon and attentively consider 
thy condition; let God and thy conscience 
pass sentence, and observe closely whether 
the word of God and thy conscience agree in 
their verdict; suffer not thy conscience to 
speak before the word of God ; but the word 
of God must speak first and bring in the in- 
dictment at the bar, thy conscience meanwhile 
standing up and bearing witness. Now the 
word of God is propounded unto thee ; give 
it room to speak in thy heart ; let it pierce as 
a sharp two-edged sword, transfixing the 
heart, dividing asunder the soul and spirit, 
the joints and the marrow, discerning the 
thoughts and intents of the mind, and mani- 
festing all things unto thee. Heb. 4 : 12, 13. 
For it concerns thy salvation and condemna- 
tion, heaven or hell, death or life, curse or 
blessing, one of which will be thy portion. 
Therefore, let thy conscience also speak. 
What is its reply ? Does it speak salvation 
to thy soul, or not ? Ponder well ; pass not 
lightly over it, as though it was a mere fable, 
for it is the word of God acting upon thy 
heart ; it is to thee either a savor of death unto 
death, or a savor of life unto life. 2 Cor. 2 : 
16. Wherefore, oh my reader, endeavor to 
be in earnest; give diligence to make thy 
calling and election sure (2 Pet 1 : 10) ; run, 

b5 



46 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

not as uncertainly; fight, not as one that 
beateth the air. 1 Cor. 9 : 26. Wherefore 
ask thy conscience again, whether thou ever 
wast poor in spirit, ever experiencedst sorrow 
of soul ; whether thou art truly meek and 
feelest spiritual hunger ; whether thou art 
merciful and charitable ; whether thou hast 
obtained purity of heart in which thou may- 
est see God ; whether thou hast obtained 
peace with God, which peace controls thy 
mind in contrariety or preference to reason ; 
and whether for the righteousness of God and 
his truth's sake thou art contemned, reviled 
and persecuted, and according to the words 
of Christ, hated for his name's sake. Matt. 
10: 22. Mark 13: 13. 

Now, what reply does thy conscience make ? 
Does it answer no, thou hast not attained 
these things ; thou art not yet purged by the 
blood of Christ from dead works to serve the 
living God. Heb. 9: 14. 

Therefore, oh beloved reader, if thy con- 
science bears witness of this kind against 
thee, be not foolish, but take counsel and 
work out thy salvation with fear and trem- 
bling. Phil. 2 : 12. For if thou art capable 
of reflection, is it possible for thee to lie down 
and enjoy undisturbed repose, when there is 
nothing to assure thee that thou mayest not 
waken up in death, or on the very verge of 
hell ? Then, having thy conscience convinced 
oughtest thou to trifle away this great salva- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. \J 

tion, which can be purchased without money 
and without price? Or wilt thou, like the 
foolish virgins, supplied with light but desti- 
tute of grace, run headlong into everlasting 
destruction ? what a gnawing worm will 
harass and torment thee forever ! and in what 
gloomy colors will not thy mad folly be por- 
trayed before thy unwilling eyes ! No man 
of common sense starts upon a journey with- 
out knowing, or at least thinking where he is 
going to, and he prepares himself according- 
ly ; yet thou, who art travelling towards a 
long and endless eternity, makest no prepa- 
rations ; sleepest secure in sin, and livest in 
the desperate indulgence of a false confidence. 
Does not the merchant supply his ship with 
a compass, and procure a captain capable of 
conducting it in safety to the place of desti- 
nation ? And wilt thou, unaided by the com- 
pass of the word, and destitute of the directing 
influence of the Holy Spirit, hazard thy soul's 
frail bark upon the boisterous sea of tempta- 
tion, not knowing what instant it may be 
dashed into a thousand pieces, as it plunges 
with horrid bound and terrific impetuosity 
into the dark and gloomy gulf of everlasting 
perdition ! 

Is there any person so foolish as not to be 
willing to be set right when he is going a 
wrong road? Yet thou, who art convinced 
that thy way is not good, art so foolish and 
stiffnecked, that thou wilt not receive counsel, 



4§ THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

but persistest still in thy perverse course 
Jeremiah 8. 

The irrational creatures in the time of Noah, 
being afraid of the approaching flood, went 
into the ark in obedience to the command- 
ment of God ; yet thou, after that God has 
called thee and declared unto thee in his 
word, that an everlasting doom will come 
upon all those that obey not the gospel of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Thes. 1 : 8,) hardenest 
thy heart continually, and triflest away thy 
time in this evil and sinful world, with lands 
and oxen, and the like, which thou suppos- 
est will serve thee for an excuse, (Luke 14,) 
and dreadest not the fearful unending fire and 
burning hell which threaten thee with im- 
pending destruction, till at length the door is 
shut, and thou art compelled to go with the 
ungodly into torment, where the worm dieth 
not and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9. 
If a criminal in prison is convinced, that by 
human judgment he will be sentenced to 
death, will he rejoice in his confinement ? Yet 
thou, who art imprisoned in sins and bound 
with the ponderous chains of darkness ; who 
art convinced, that if thou wast, brought be- 
fore the bar of God, thou wouldst be sentenced 
to everlasting death, canst, nevertheless, in 
despite of all thy convictions, amuse thyself 
with the world, spend thy time in idleness 
and sensuality ; and, moreover, repose in the 
greatest security, although thou knowest not 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 49 

what hour thy Lord cometh, when thou shalt 
hear the dreadful sentence : Thou wicked and 
slothful servant, thou knewest that 1 reap 
where I sowed not, and gather where I have 
not strewed, and bring all thy works, which 
thou hast done in thy life, before my judg- 
ment, and yet thou hast not put my money 
to the exchangers: wherefore that which thou 
hast shall be taken from thee, and thou shalt 
be bound hand and foot and cast into outer 
darkness ; there shall be weeping and gnash- 
ing of teeth. Matt. 25. thoughtless man ! 
take heed while it is called to-day. For a 
criminal, upon finding that sentence of death 
is passed upon him, petitions the chief ma- 
gistrate for a pardon. But thou knowest that 
Jesus Christ is constituted by the Father chief 
magistrate, invested with the power of par- 
doning all such sinners as are condemned by 
his righteousness, and rendering them happy, 
provided they submit to these conditions, 
namely, that they humble their rebellious 
hearts (l Pet. 5: 5, 6. James 6: 10,) and lay 
aside their carnal weapons which they have 
used so long against him, and subject them- 
selves to him, and follow him in whatsoever 
he commandeth them. Matt 19: 28,29. But 
this will be a hard lesson for thee, and, there- 
fore, thou rejectest continually all the precious 
proffers of so high and compassionate a me- 
diator as Jesus ; and this greatly enhances the 
severity of thy sentence and condemnation. 



50 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Now, beloved man, art thou dead, or mad, 
that this consideration should not stir thee up 
in giving diligence to make thy calling and 
election sure, (2 Pet 1 : 10,) and so to run as 
not uncertainly, not to beat the air, (l Cor. 
9 : 26,) or grope for the wall like the blind, 
and grope as if thou hadst no eyes, and stum- 
ble at noonday in the blaze of gospel light, as 
in the night, and dwell in desolate places as 
the dead, so that thou lookest for judgment, 
but there is none ; for salvation, but it is far 
off from thee. Isaiah 59 : 10, 1 1. 

Oh, is this not too much the case with thee ! 
Awake then, in earnest, from thy sleep, and 
arise from thy dead works, that Christ may 
give thee light Eph. 5 : 14. Receive him 
as thy wisdom, (l Cor. 1 : 30,) and like a 
faithful disciple (Matt 11 : 29,) learn of him 
the beginning of a christian life, which is re- 
pentance and conversion ; and entreat him 
for a thorough purification of heart and the 
renovating power of his Holy Spirit ; saying 
with David : How long shall I take counsel 
in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily ; 
how long shall mine enemy be exalted over 
me ? Consider and hear me, Lord my God ; 
lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death ; 
lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against 
him. Ps. 13. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 51 

IV. 

Cease not also, with prayers and tears, to 
read the holy scriptures, and particularly the 
New Testament, wherein God has manifest- 
ed in his son and by the mouth of his apos- 
tles, his holy evangelical will and counsel: 
and learn from its pages how Christ himself 
walked in the world, leaving us an example 
that we should follow his steps. 1 Pet 2:21. 

He who was rich, for your sakes became 
poor, that we through his poverty might be 
rich. 2 Cor. 8 : 9. 

He who knew no sin, was made sin for 
us, that we might be made the righteousness 
of God in him. 2 Cor. 5 : 21. 

He who was the Lord, became despised 
and rejected of men. Isaiah 53. 

He who is the sovereign Lord of heaven 
and earth, became a servant for us all, and 
was charged with being Beelzebub, or the 
prince of the devils. Matt. 10: 25, and 12- 
24, and 20 : 28. 

He, who was the wisdom of the Father 
and the brightness of his glory, which the 
angels desire to look into, was charged with 
being a devil and a deceiver of the people. — 
John 10: 20. Heb. 1: Col. 1, 13. 

He, who was worthy of all honor, sought 
no honor but that of his Father. John 5: 
41. chap. 7: 17, 18. He, who is worthy to 
be glorified by all men, hears almost all men 



52 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

cry out, Crucify him! Crucify him! He, 
who gives to all thirsty souls the genuine 
water of life, (John 7 : 37) had nothing in the 
time of his great suffering and thirst but vin- 
egar mixed with gall. Matt. 27: 34. Ps. 69: 
22. He, who gives eternal life unto all faith- 
ful and enquiring souls, was taken by men 
and hanged upon a tree. Acts 5 : 30. Now, 
they have done this in the green tree, what 
will they do in the dry ? If they have called 
the master of the house Beelzebub, how 
much more shall they call them of his house- 
hold? Matt. 10:25. 

Therefore, my dear reader, view thyself in 
the above mirror ; examine thy heart well, 
and see whether thou art willing to suffer 
with Christ, to bear the shame with equa- 
nimity, expecting to overcome through faith 
in his name : if so, endure chastening, for he 
chasteneth every son whom he receiveth; 
but if thou be without chastisement, thou art 
a bastard and no son. Heb. 12. For as soon 
as thou abandonest thy own will, and begin- 
nest to follow thy master, Christ Jesus, desi- 
rous to learn of him, and to obtain from him 
thy salvation, satan will not be remiss in em- 
ploying his wiles against thee, making use 
of every means in his power to retain thee 
in darkness. Art thou young ? then he will 
represent thy youth to thee, insinuating that 
thou canst not at this time live in this man- 
ner ; for how is it possible for thee to forsake 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 53 

thy fine company, thy friends and relations, 
who would all look upon thee in this world 
as a fool and simpleton ; therefore, delay a 
little while, God will not abandon thee on 
this account, for he is merciful and will have 
patience with thy youth. Thou hast, per- 
haps, received the ordinance of baptism ; if 
so, he attempts to preach to thee faith in 
Christ, telling thee thou shalt not be so dis- 
couraged, for thou art baptised, goest to the 
Lord's table, and bearest the livery of Christ ; 
wherefore be not so dejected, thou shalt be 
saved by grace, and not by works. Yea, by 
many more such insidious suggestions he 
strives, if possible, to lull thee again to sleep ; 
but, man, resist the devil, and he will flee 
from thee; draw nigh to God, and he will 
draw nigh to thee; for it is said further, 
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners ; and purify 
your hearts, ye double minded ; be afflicted, 
and mourn and weep : let your laughter be 
turned to mourning, and your joy to heavi- 
ness ; humble yourselves in the sight of the 
Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4. 
Ah, beloved man, let satan speak and oppose 
as he may, turn not thou from God ; call 
upon Jesus, and consider him as thy only 
helper in time and in eternity. Although to 
the flesh his cross may appear heavy, yet to 
the soul it is easy and pleasant; therefore 
bear all things patiently, and come after 
Christ, and thou shalt be his disciple, (Luke 



54 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

14: 27,) and he will quicken thee, so that 
thou shalt be able to say from experience, 
how easy is thy yoke, and how light is thy 
burden! Matt. 11 : 30. 

Therefore, my beloved fellow-man, if thou 
art desirous of becoming a man of God, I say 
with Paul, Follow after righteousness, godli- 
ness, faith, love, patience, meekness; fight 
the good fight of faith ; lay hold on eternal 
life, whereunto thou art called (l Tim. 6 : 11, 
12) ; look unto Jesus, the author and finish- 
er of our faith, who, for the joy that was set 
before him, endured the cross, despising the 
shame, and is set down at the right hand of 
the throne of God. Heb. 12:2. 

Now, afflicted sinner, reflect that Jesus has 
done and suffered all this for thy sake ; there- 
fore be not afraid, set satan and the world at 
defiance, and take up the cross for his sake, 
and consider what it shall profit thee if thou 
shalt gain the whole world and lose thy own 
soul ; or what thou shalt give in exchange 
for thy soul. Mark 8 : 36, 37. Yea, consid- 
er : it is not thy friends and relations, thy 
parents, brothers or sisters that can render 
thee assistance in the hour of death ; but it 
is Christ and his grace: he who commands 
thee to bear his cross, and testifies that the 
friendship of the world is enmity with God 
(James 4 : 4,) and surely it is a fearful thing 
to fall into the hands of the living God. Heb. 
10: 31. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 55 

Well then, sinner, if thou art willing to 
hazard it with Christ, and to go forth unto 
him without the camp, bearing his reproach, 
(Heb. 13: 13,) stop thy spiritual or internal 
ear against the world, and the world's con- 
versation ; for as soon as thou openest thy 
mind to thy friends and relations, who live 
according to the will of the flesh, and dis- 
closest to them thy determination to surren- 
der thyself wholly unto Christ and embrace 
his doctrine, satan will instigate them to 
tempt thee, in an extremely dangerous man- 
ner, and with fond words and endearing 
accents, to dissuade thee from thy design, 
and rob thee of thy resolution. If thou be- 
longest to some society, and makest known 
to them the condition of thy soul, telling them 
thou must change thy manner of life, or 
be forever ruined, they will perhaps reply, 
Thy life has not been so bad as thou think- 
est ; others live no better, and yet hope to be 
saved ; only have faith in Jesus, for we must 
be saved by grace, and not by merit ; we are 
all weak creatures ; we cannot live so strict 
as the scripture enjoins it upon us to do; just 
think, if it was as thou supposest, all thy 
forefathers and friends must have perished : 
wherefore discard these melancholy thoughts, 
or thou wilt become distracted and lose the 
use of thy reason. These and similar dis- 
courses are temptations of satan through the 
children of unbelief: but here be on thy 



56 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

guard, and suffer nothing to induce thee to 
turn from Christ; keep fast hold of him and 
his doctrine, for upon this depends thy eter- 
nal salvation : turn thy mind away from 
their discourse, and, like the man who was 
born blind, confess the Lord Jesus as far as 
he has manifested himself to thee. If thou 
doest these things and sufferest not thyself to 
be seduced from Christ, but confessest him 
according to his word, in opposition to the 
scribes and pharisees, thou wilt in a short 
time be cast out by them, and be compelled 
to hear : Thou wast born in sins, and teach- 
est thou us ? But be not terrified at this, for 
Christ will visit thee and manifest himself 
unto thee. When satan and the world find 
that they cannot impede thy progress by 
means of flattery, they try other methods ; for 
the world begins to mock and calumniate, 
and endeavors to render thee despondent; 
thy best friends often become thy greatest 
enemies, as Christ has told us beforehand, 
Think not that I am come to give peace on 
earth, nay, but rather division : for from 
henceforth there shall be five in one house 
divided, three against two, and two against 
three. The father shall be divided against 
the son, and the son against the father : the 
mother against the daughter, and the daugh- 
ter against the mother: the mother-in-law 
against her daughter-in-law, and the daugh- 
ter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Luke 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 57 

12: 51, 52, 53. This can easily be observed 
at the present day ; for as soon as a man 
turns from dead works to serve the living 
God, forsakes his former life, begins in earnest 
to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and 
out of pity and christian compassion reproves 
his carnal friends in their dissolute course, 
they will not bear it ; for he that is born after 
the flesh, persecutes him that is born after 
the spirit, (Gal. 4 : 29,) for the flesh and the 
spirit are contrary the one to the other. Chap. 
5: 17. 

If a person, at length, obtains, through 
grace and the mercy of God, a pure heart, 
which enables him to see God ; if he disco- 
vers the new and living way which entereth 
within the veil, and observes the sanctuary 
of God, wherein is the mercy seat, which is 
Christ overshadowed by the cherubim of the 
glory of God, where also is to be seen the 
high priest once offered up for our sins, 
whereby we have obtained eternal redemp- 
tion, (Heb. 9 : 12,) 0, then such a person 
receives Christ, by true faith in his strength, 
for his head ; his testament, sealed by his 
own blood, for his rule ; the Holy Spirit for 
a safeguard and conductor; and thus pre- 
pared he marches onward in the narrow but 
pleasant way of life, not merely that he may 
see the kingdom of God, but that he may, in 
truth, arrive in it and take possession of it. 
John 3 : 3, 5. Luke 17: 21. Not as though 



58 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

he was apprehended by Christ, but that he 
hasten, run, follow and apprehend him as he 
hath apprehended us. Phil. 3 : 12, 13. Here 
a person forgets those things which are be- 
hind, and reaches forth toward the mark, for 
the heavenly prize ; here we can say with 
the holy apostle Peter, in the 4th ch. 3 and 4 
verses, " For the time past of our life may 
suffice us to have wrought the will of the 
Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, 
lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, 
and abominable idolatries." But this the 
world thinks strange that we run not with 
them to the same excess of riot and abuse, 
especially when we forsake idolatry and cor- 
rupted sectarianism and testify against them 
with the word of God : then the divines and 
the self-righteous and formal christians begin 
to cry out and exclaim, as was done in for- 
mer times to Christ, He is mad, he is an en- 
thusiast, or is possessed with a devil, why do 
ye hear him ? (John 10 : 20,) for he will only 
raise a tumult. Yea, they are afraid that 
their Diana will be destroyed : therefore they 
cry out, Great is Diana. Acts 19. In other 
words, they endeavor by wrong means to 
defend their idolatrous church and society, 
and get up an excitement against such per- 
sons, speaking all manner of evil against 
them, yet without the shadow of a founda- 
tion. But this reflection consoles such per- 
sons, that they have so done to the prophets 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 59 

who were before them, nay, even to Christ 
himself and to his holy apostles ; for through 
much tribulation must we enter into the 
kingdom of God. And as the Father hath 
allotted to Christ his kingdom under the 
cross, even so hath Christ allotted it unto us : 
for if we were of the world, the world would 
love its own ; but because Christ hath chosen 
us out of the world, therefore the world 
hateth us (John 15 : 19) ; because one cannot, 
like the false prophets, prophesy good con- 
cerning idolatrous Christendom, saying, Go 
and prosper, for this reason are they wroth 
against us. 1 Kings 22. But all this must 
not retard our progress ; we must keep our 
eye constantly on the footsteps of our fore- 
runner, who hath taken possession of heaven, 
till all things be brought to pass which God 
hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy 
prophets from the beginning of the world, 
(Acts 13: 21,) from whence he shall come 
the second time to judge the quick and the 
dead ; and then every man shall be rewarded 
according to his works, whether they be good 
or whether they be evil. Matt 16 : 27. 2 
Cor. 5 : 10. 

Wherefore let no faithful soldier become 
dejected, but let him run with patience the 
race that is set before him. Heb. 12. Take 
unto you the whole armor of God, that ye 
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and 
having done all, to stand, having your loins 



60 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

girt about with truth; and having on the 
breastplate of righteousness, and your feet 
shod with the preparation of the gospel of 
peace ; above all taking the shield of faith, 
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the 
fiery darts of the wicked. And take the hel- 
met of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, 
which is the word of God : praying always 
with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, 
and watching thereunto with all perseverance 
and supplication for all saints. Eph. 6. 

Here thou hast the whole panoply of God, 
weapons well tried, which never fail in the 
hand capable of wielding them. Therefore, 
observe and learn from thy field officer, 
Christ Jesus, who will himself instruct thee ; 
for he hath overcome and liveth, wherefore 
thou also shouldst and wilt overcome and 
live. John 14: 19. Rev. 3: 21. In the 
world thou shalt have tribulation : but be of 
good cheer, he hath overcome the world. 
John 16 : 33. He hath given thee his word, 
therefore the world hateth thee, because thou 
art not of the world, even as he is not of the 
world ; therefore he hath sanctified himself 
for thee, that thou mightest be sanctified 
through his truth. John 17. He will not 
leave thee comfortless, but will come unto 
thee. John 14 : 18. He will comfort thee 
as a mother comforteth her child ; and though 
a mother may forget her child, yet he will 
not forget thee ; for he hath graven thee upon 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 61 

the palms of his hands. Isaiah 49: 15, 16. 

Therefore, fear not, for he hath redeemed 
thee ; and when thou passest through the 
water (of temptation,) the rivers shall not 
overflow thee : when thou walkest through 
the fire (of tribulation,) thou shalt not be 
burnt ; neither shall the flame kindle upon 
thee. Is. 43. For who is he that will harm 
thee, if thou be a follower of that which is 
good ? But and if thou sufferest for right- 
eousness sake, happy art thou ; and be not 
afraid of their terror, neither be troubled ; but 
sanctify the Lord God in thy heart. 1 Pet 
3: 13, 14. 

Oh, beloved pilgrim and fellow traveller to 
the regions of life ! Should not the sweet 
and precious promises of God in Christ Jesus 
animate and encourage us to pursue our jour- 
ney with assiduity, and to fight with alacrity 
the fight of faith ? When the corrupt and 
anti-christian world is enraged at and calum- 
niates us, pointing the finger of scorn and 
treating us with ignominy, let us ever reflect 
upon the words of Christ: Blessed are ye 
when men shall revile you, and persecute you, 
and shall say all manner of evil against you 
falsely for my sake ; rejoice and be exceeding 
glad ; for great is your reward in heaven ; 
for so persecuted they the prophets which 
were before you. Matt. 5 : 11, 12. 

Now, what do we desire more than that 
our reward should be great in heaven ? Are 



62 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

we then willing to seek our reward here on 
earth in the enjoyment of a dissolute, sump- 
tuous and magnificent life ? 

0, should we not gladly leave this licen- 
tious, carnal, honorable and sensual life to 
those who shall be tormented in another 
world, (Luke 16,) and patiently submit our- 
selves to reproach, as knowing that our re- 
ward is great in heaven. 

All those, who have come out of great 
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and 
made them white in the blood of the Lamb, 
are there before the throne of God, and serve 
him day and night in his temple : and he that 
sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst 
any more; neither shall the sunlight on them, 
nor any heat; for the Lamb, which is in the 
midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall 
lead them unto living waters ; and God shall 
wipe away all tears from thqjr eyes. Rev. 7. 

Now, faithful soul, who livest under the 
cross, is not this sufficient to render the yoke 
of Christ easy and his burden light ? Or art 
thou desirous of hearing more of the heaven- 
ly life of the triumphant soldiers of Christ, 
that thou mayest be encouraged and anima- 
ted in thy journey ? Well then, hear what 
the Spirit saith to the churches : 

To him that overcometh will I give to eat 
of the tree of life, which is in the midst of 
the paradise of God. Rev. 2 : 7. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 63 

Fear not of these things which thou shalt 
suffer ; behold, the devil shall cast some of 
you into prison, that ye may be tried ; and ye 
shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faith- 
ful unto death, and I will give thee a crown 
of life. He that overcometh shall not be hurt 
of the second death. Verses 10: 11. 

To him that overcometh will I give to eat 
of the hidden manna, and will give him a 
white stone, and in the stone a new name 
written, which no man knoweth saving he 
that receiveth it. Verse 17. 

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my 
works unto the end, to him will I give power 
over the nations ; and he shall rule them with 
a rod of iron ; as the vessels of a potter shall 
they be broken to shivers ; even as I received 
of my Father ; and I will give him the morn- 
ing star. Verses 26, 27, 28. 

He that overcometh, the same shall be 
clothed in white raiment ; and I will not blot 
out his name out of the book of life, but I 
will confess his name before my Father and 
before his angels. Chap. 3 : 5. 

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar 
in the temple of my God, and he shall go no 
more out ; and I will write upon him the 
name of my God, and the name of the city 
of my God, which is the new Jerusalem, 
which cometh down out of heaven from my 
God ; and I will write upon him my new 
name. Verse 12. 



64 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit 
with me in my throne, even as I also over- 
came and am set down with my Father in 
his throne. Verse 21. 

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and 
the end ; I will give unto him that is athirst 
of the fountain of the water of life freely. He 
that overcometh shall inherit all things ; and 
I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 
Chap. 21: 6, 7. 

serious inquirer ! Is not thy heart replete 
with rapture in the contemplation of these 
heavenly promises ? Yes, thou repliest, if I 
could only be made partaker of them ; but I 
am so insignificant, so poor and despicable, 
that I fear I may at last be rejected. I an- 
swer : Come as thou art ; cast thyself down 
in thy humility at the feet of thy Saviour ; 
bring neither money nor recompense, but 
surrender thyself unconditionally, that he may 
display his boundless mercy towards thee ; 
hear now, all that is divine calleth upon thee ; 
the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let 
him that heareth say, Come. And let him 
that is athirst. come. And whosoever will, 
let him take of the water of life freely. Chap. 
22: 17. 

Now, faithful soul, contemplate all these 
heavenly promises, consider that God has 
tendered thee more than thou canst ask. 
What now is the language of thy heart ? Art 
thou fully determined in thy humility to fol- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 65 

low Christ under the cross ? Art thou now 
willing to take the doctrine and conduct of 
Christ for the rule of thy life ? Art thou wil- 
ling now, not only to reign with Christ, but 
also to suffer with him? Answerest thou 
with Peter, Lord, to whom shall I go ? thou 
hast the words of eternal life. John 6 : 68. 
Well then, if such is thy mind, dismiss thy 
diffidence, discard thy manfearing spirit, and 
confess, by word and deed, the Lord Jesus in 
the midst of an adulterous and sinful gener- 
ation ; let thy speech be always with grace, 
seasoned with salt (Col. 4: 6) ; let thy works 
and conversation shine as a light to the world, 
that they may glorify thy Father who is in 
heaven, (Matt. 5 : 16,) so shaltthou be led by 
the Spirit in the way of all truth, and receive 
of the fulness of Jesus grace for grace, (John 
1 : 16,) to enable thee to live a constant, vic- 
torious and triumphant life in God, in whom 
all the promises are to thee Yea and Amen, 
to the glory of God. 2 Cor. 1 : 20. To him 
alone be the praise for ever and ever. Amen. 

V. 

Beloved reader, forasmuch as I have, in 
my plain manner, by the grace of God dis- 
pensed unto me, briefly illustrated the begin- 
ning of this sermon, and as it is absolutely 
necessary for us to be made partakers of the 
above cited blessings, in order to understand 
the remaining part, I will, by the help of God, 



66 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

proceed in the consideration of the same, 
hoping that every reader may be benefitted 
by a perusal. 

Christ speaketh in this manner: Think 
not that I am come to destroy the law or the 
prophets ; I am not come to destroy, but to 
fulfil. For verily I say unto you, till heaven 
and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in 
no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 
Verses 17: 18. 

Now, he is not come to destroy, but to ful- 
fil. Why so ? Because none of Adam's 
posterity was able to fulfil the righteousness 
of the law ; for in Adam we are all trans- 
gressors ; so that by the deeds of the law no 
flesh could be justified (Rom. 3 : 20. Gal. 3 : 
11); but we were kept under the law, shut 
up unto the faith which should afterwards 
be revealed. Gal. 3 : 23. 

Now, Christ is not come to annul the law, 
that is, to abolish the original righteousness 
of the law ; for by it is the knowledge of sin 
(Rom. 3: 20) but to fulfil it. In what way 
then did Christ fulfil the law ? In the first 
place, no man was found able to keep the 
law or comply with its requisitions ; for the 
law demanded a perfect righteousness. There- 
fore we were all by the law under the curse. 
But Christ, who knew no sin, and in whose 
mouth was found no guile, has, in the first 
place, in his whole walk, complied with the 
conditions of the law, which required a per- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 67 

feet holiness, and an irreproachable obedience, 
such as Christ alone was capable of rendering. 

But, secondly, inasmuch as Christ took 
upon him the weakness inherited by us from 
Adam's transgression, and bore our sins, he 
had, in our stead and for our sins, to fall under 
the curse of the law, and be hanged upon a 
tree, so that he became a curse for us and 
redeemed us from the curse of the law ; for 
it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth 
on a tree. Deut. 21 : 23. In this manner he 
hath put away sin by offering up a perfect 
sacrifice (Heb. 9: 26); that as by the offence 
of one, judgment came upon all men to con- 
demnation, even so by the righteousness of 
one, the free gift came upon all men unto 
justification. Rom. 5: IS. For by the per- 
fect sacrifice of this second Adam, the original 
righteousness which stood against the first 
Adam and his posterity, is fulfilled, so that 
God hath set forth Christ to be a propitiation 
through faith in his blood, to declare his 
righteousness for the remission of sins that 
are passed, through the forbearance of God ; 
to declare at this time his righteousness ; that 
he might be just and the justifier of him that 
believeth in Jesus. Rom. 3. 

Reader, mark this, that as Christ came in 
the likeness of sinful flesh, and was made sin 
for us, so hath he by sin condemned sin in 
the flesh, namely, original sin ; not that he 
himself hath sinned, but that he hath taken 



68 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

our sins upon him, (mark) that the righteous- 
ness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who 
walk not after the flesh, hut after the spirit 
Rom. 8. 

For Christ was himself perfect God and 
perfect man. As touching his humanity, he 
was holy, righteous, without spot, and blame- 
less; but for our sakes became he poor and 
weak, undergoing trials and temptations, that 
he might be touched with the feelings of our 
infirmities, and be a merciful and faithful 
high priest to make reconciliation for the sins 
of the people. Heb. 2: 17, 18. Chap. 4: 15. 

In his divine attributes he was invincible, 
though as a son of Adam or a sinner, (yet 
holy and blameless) he suffered the cursed 
death of the cross, whereby he was made a 
perfect sacrifice for sin. Yet it was impossible 
for death to confine him ; he rose again, and 
triumphed over sin, death and the devil ; for 
in that he suffered death, he hath by his 
obedience fulfilled the righteousness and sa- 
tisfied the demands of the law ; and, more- 
over, destroyed him that had the power of 
death, that is the devil, and delivered them 
who through fear of death were all their life 
time subject to bondage. Heb. 2; 14, 15. 

Now is come salvation, and strength, and 
the kingdom of our God, and the power of 
his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is 
cast down, which accused them before our 
God day and night (Rev. 12: 10); for as long 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 69 

as the claims of the law remain unsatisfied, 
the requisitions of which none of Adam's 
posterity were able to fulfil, so long has sa- 
tan power to accuse them before God. But 
now he is cast out; his power is destroyed; 
as Christ exclaimed when about to suffer and 
fight the great fight of victory, Now is the 
judgment of this world, now shall the prince 
of this world be cast out John 12: 31. 
Chap. 16: 11. 

In the third place, it is to be remarked 
that no man can any more bring in an accu- 
sation against Adam; because his sins which 
were transmitted to us, have been blotted 
out by the blood of Christ ; for God was in 
Christ reconciling the world unto himself, 
not imputing their trespasses unto them, (2 
Cor. 5 : 1 9,) namely, the sin of Adam, which 
he doth not impute unto us. Therefore 
Christ speaketh concerning the innocent 
children that live not in actual transgression, 
saying, Suffer little children to come unto 
me, for of such is the kingdom of God. 
Matt. 19: 14. Mark 10: 14. 

But when a man lives in a state of actual 
sin, after he arrives to the years of discretion, 
loving darkness rather than the light, (John 
3 : 1 9,) and walking according to the will of 
the flesh ; then it must not be said any more 
that Adam has done this, or satan has done 
it; but it must be said, Thou after thy hard- 
ness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto 



70 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

thyself wrath against the day of wrath and 
revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 
who will render to every man according to 
his deeds. Rom. 2: 5, 6. For the debt of 
Adam is cancelled by the blood of Christ, and 
the power of the devil is destroyed, so that if 
he ever misleads us, it is because we place 
ourselves voluntarily within his grasp, and 
turn away from Christ, who hath overcome 
him, and having spoiled his principalities, 
made a show of them openly, triumphing 
over them in it. Col. 2: 15. But as many 
as receive him, to them gives he power to be- 
come the sons of God, which are born not of 
blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the 
will of man, but of God. John 1. These are 
they, who, coming to a knowledge of their 
sins by the law, groan and weep under them, 
and sink down before the Lord in humility 
of spirit and godly sorrow, hungering and 
thirsting after the righteousness of Christ, till 
finally they obtain access unto this grace, and 
receive and embrace Christ through faith in 
his righteousness; and thus the righteousness 
of the law is fulfilled by the righteousness of 
Christ; as Paul expresses it, (Rom. 8: 3, 4.) 
We walk not after the flesh, but after the 
Spirit ; for the law of the spirit of life in Christ 
Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin 
and death. Verse 2. 

But, now, not one jot or one tittle of the 
law shall pass away till all be fulfilled ; for 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 71 

Paul says, We know that the law is good, if 
a man use it lawfully, knowing this that the 
law is not made for a righteous man, (for they 
are dead to the law, and are married to an- 
other, even to him who is raised from the 
dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto 
God. Rom. 7 : 4,) but for the lawless and 
disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, 
for unholy and profane, for murderers of 
fathers, and murderers of mothers, for man- 
slayers, for whoremongers, for them that 
defile themselves with mankind, for men- 
stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if 
there be any other thing that is contrary to 
sound doctrine. 1 Tim. 1 : 8, 9, 10. 

Mark this : If there be any other thing 
that is contrary to sound doctrine. From 
this we may infer, that all who have not by 
faith attained the righteousness of Christ, are, 
as has been already frequently inculcated, 
under the law, and consequently under the 
curse. Hence, the righteousness of the law 
remains in full force against all that obey not 
the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who 
shall be punished with everlasting destruction 
from the presence of the Lord, and from the 
glory of his power. 2 Thess. 1 : 8, 9. 

That which the ceremonial law attempts 
to accomplish by much shedding of blood 
and many outward sacrifices, hath Christ, as 
the true high priest, in one sacrifice, fulfill- 
ed for ever, that we might by him ofier up 



12 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. 1 Pet 
2 : 5. Yea, the written law, with its many 
types and shadows, which pointed unto Christ, 
was consummated in him : for he was the 
body itself. Col. 2: 16, 17. Yea, the law 
had the shadow of good things to come, and 
not the very substance of the things, as is 
shown in the whole epistle to the Hebrews, 
and likewise in those to the Romans and 
Galatians, nay, in the whole new testament 

Therefore, in this sermon Christ has chang- 
ed the law into a perfect dispensation, which 
it is our intention, by the help of God, fur- 
ther to consider, in order that we may arrive 
at the correct spiritual understanding of his 
gracious discourse. And may Almighty 
God pour out his grace and blessing, and 
write it by his Holy Spirit in our hearts, that 
we may not only read and consider, but also 
embrace and comply with it, by the power 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory 
dominion and unceasing praise, for ever and 
ever. Amen. Yea, Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen. 

My beloved reader, I must again charge 
thee, if thou hast read these pages, pause for 
a while, and consider well what road thou art 
in; examine and see whether thou art not 
walking in the broad way of the flesh ; wheth- 
er thou art not as yet attached to the world, 
or whether the world is crucified unto thee, 
and thou unto the world ; whether thou livest 
after the flesh or after the Spirit; whether thou 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 73 

dost not, like the pharisees, possess nothing 
but an external show of righteousness; or 
hast thou attained the righteousness that is 
revealed from faith to faith? Rom. 1 : 17. 

Behold, reader, if thou still livest in the 
first Adam, in the old creature, and not in 
the second Adam, in the new creature, thou 
bringest forth fruit unto death. Therefore 
we must be transplanted from the first into 
the second Adam, Christ Jesus, before we 
can bring forth fruit unto God. Rom. 7 : 4, 
5. Ah, my dear reader, do not disregard the 
day of grace ; lift up thy soul to him who 
is both able and willing to help thee, and 
with a devout heart pray unto him and say, 
O Jesus, thou who hast loved me and the 
whole human family with an unspeakable 
love, thou hast vouchsafed to come unto thy 
own, to thy fallen creatures, to ransom them 
from eternal death, and thy own received 
thee not ; but as many as received thee, to 
them hast thou given power to become the 
sons of God. Jesus, I am one of the former, 
who have not received thee as I ought ; thou 
calledst me, but I would not answer ; thou hast 
in part manifested thy light unto me, but I 
have loved darkness rather than the light ; thou 
hast knocked, but I would not open ; thou 
hast exonerated me from the debt incurred 
by Adam's transgression, but I have myself 
contracted debts, yea exceedingly enormous 
debts, which I shall never be able to pay. 
c 



74 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

I now acknowledge my folly ; my sins press 
heavily upon me ; they overwhelm me \ as 
an oppressive burden they are too grievous 
to be borne : I thought at first I would re- 
compense thee with service and satisfy thee 
with worship; but I now see that neither 
circumcision nor uncircumcision availeth 
any thing, but a new creature, or the faith 
that worketh by love. poor sinner that I 
am ! I find I am destitute of all things ; I 
have consumed thy substance which was 
divided unto me. I have nothing in which 
my soul taketh delight I am poor and mis- 
erable ; I have sinned against heaven and in 
thy sight, and am no more worthy to be 
called thy son ; therefore I beseech thee with 
Manasseh, Pardon my sins, Lord! pardon 
me and let me find grace in thy sight Has- 
ten, Jesus, and carry on thy work within 
me : save me, not for the sake of my own 
righteousness, which is but an unclean and 
filthy rag, but for thy great mercy through 
the washing of regeneration and the renew- 
ing of the Holy Spirit Lord Jesus ! with a 
broken spirit and a contrite heart I prostrate 
myself before thee. I am sensible of thy 
clemency, patience and long suffering to- 
wards me. I find I can enjoy no consolation 
but in thee ; I discover salvation in no other 
name but thine ; therefore my soul hungereth 
and thirsteth after thee. fill me with 
good things, that my soul may revel in spiritual 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 75 

enjoyments ; permit me to taste thy mercy ; 
grant me a pure heart, that I may see God 
and discern and realize how gracious thou 
art ; that I may be able with thee to bear thy 
cross with all patience and meekness. In- 
struct me in the way of thy knowledge, and 
write thy law in my heart, and let it sink 
deep in my mind, that I may walk uprightly 
before thee all the days of my life. This I 
ask of thee, Jesus ! be merciful unto me 
for thy promise sake ; be merciful, my 
Jesus! be merciful unto me for thy great 
name's sake, and let me know thy will, 
Amen. Amen, Jesus, Amen. 

Beloved reader, humble thyself in this 
manner, and Jesus will exalt thee ; come 
unto him thus, and he will in no wise cast 
thee out. 

poorness of spirit, despised condition, 
lowly humility, glorious place, 
Divested of all and entirely denuded, 
That thou may'st have access to heavenly grace, 
happy beginning of pure christian day, 
By anguish of mind thou exaltest thy soul 
To Jesus, and findest in meekness the way, 
By which thou again this wide earth canst control, 
And thus thou true righteousness thirstest to find 
With longing and weeping and sorrow of mind. 
dear happy soul, do not afflicted repine, 
For here on this earth thou canst find nothing higher, 
But seek thou thy food in eternity's clime, 
Thy heart to supply in its every desire. 
Thy neighbors and friends thou desirest now to go, 
And buy such delicious and sumptuous food; 
Thou pray est and longest, yea e'en for thy foe, 
That he may soon travel the heavenly road. 
Compassion of spirit I happy condition I 
c:2 



76 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Wherein thou a pure heart obtainest from God, 
To see through thy Jesus, by Heaven's agnition, 
Sweet comfort and peace in thy soul shed abroad. 
glorious peace ! favor of Heaven ! 
Art higher than ail the great counsels of man, 
Thou art the consoler, through grace thou dost even 
Give sweetness to crosses and render them bland. 
Thou dost us assist amidst dark times to guard, 
Thou mak'st us in sorrow that joyful we be. 
happy the patient, thou shalt them reward, 
And set them from sorrow eternally free. 
Now haste, sons of men, haste and arise, 
sinners, mortals, from sin now awake, 
Commence ye the journey that leads to the skies, 
Your sins and your habits resolved to forsake. 
hearken and hear ye the peace-trumpet's sound, 
Intended to give you to Canaan a start. 
Peruse holy writ with devotion profound, 
Observe whether Jesus dont knock at your heart. 
As poor, at his feet all things earthly cast down, 
Lay hold e'en to-day of the heavenly crown. 
Oh happy this life, when our Jesus is near, 
He cancels our sins and sets the soul free, 
He renders mild, righteousness strict and severe, 
The person who feels this, happy is he. 

love without bounds, without end or control, 

1 thank thee, my God, from the depth of my soul, 
Because thou hast cloth'd us with love from on high ; 
No devil shall harm us, for Jesus is nigh. 

Amen. 



CHAPTER SECOND. 

Embraces a portion from the 20th to the 26th verse. 1. Of the 
righteousness of the pharisees. 2. Of the righteousness 
which exceeds that of the pharisees. 3. Of the manner in 
which a person should conduct himself towards his brethren 
ot fellow men. 4. Of the prison of hell. 5. A well-grounded 
exhortation to all men. 

I. 

Christ Jesus, our Saviour and Redeemer, 
has shown us the way which leads to his 
Gospel through the eight different blessings, 
and his doctrine was quite a different one 
from that of the scribes and pharisees ; for 
the scribes preached up the law, and sought 
righteousness as it were by the works of the 
law. Rom. 9: 31,32. But Christ rejected 
in his doctrine all the righteousness and me- 
ritoriousness of the law, as was shown in the 
first chapter in treating of the eight blessings. 

Nevertheless, he declared to the people, 
that he was not come to destroy the law but 
to fulfil it ; for he has brought to light a com- 
plete spiritual dispensation which lay con- 
cealed under the shadow of the law ; this 
new dispensation, which lay concealed in 
the law, the pharisees did not perceive nor 
observe ; they looked entirely to the works 
of the law, and consequently did not attain 
to the law of righteousness. Rom. 9: 31. 

c3 



/© THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

For we know, says Paul, that the law is 
spiritual, (Rom. 7 : 14,) and being spiritual it 
must be understood in a spiritual manner ; 
that is to say, all the ordinances of the cere- 
monial law were but types of Christ, and the 
accomplishment ; for in him they are all ful- 
filled ; he was the body itself, he hath abol- 
ished the enmity, even the law of command- 
ments contained in ordinances ; for to make 
in himself of twain (namely the Jews and 
Gentiles) one new man, so making peace, 
(Eph. 2) ; yea he hath blotted out the hand- 
writing of ordinances that was against us, 
which was contrary to us, and took it out of 
the way, nailing it to the cross, (Col. 2) ; for 
he hath brought in a better hope, by which 
we draw nigh unto God. Heb. 7:19. Not- 
withstanding, the righteousness of the law is 
not destroyed, but fulfilled in them that are 
partakers with Christ ; and all the types and 
shadows of the law are perpetual evidence 
of Christ, always pointing unto him ; as Christ 
himself declares, saying, Search the scrip- 
tures, (namely the law and the prophets, for 
the gospel was not yet written) ; for in them ye 
think ye have eternal life : and they are they 
which testify of me ; and ye will not come to 
me, that ye might have life. John 5: 39, 40. 
This was the righteousness of the scribes 
and pharisees, that they thought they had eter- 
nal life in the works of the law, which, not- 
withstanding, only bore testimony of Christ 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 79 

Therefore he declared to the people, (who no 
doubt looked upon the scribes and pharisees 
as being the particular favorites of God, for 
they kept the outside clean, fasted oft, made 
long prayers, were acquainted with the law, 
(Matt. 23. Rom. 2): appeared righteous be- 
fore men and gave tithes. Luke 18. I say 
unto you, that except your righteousness shall 
exceed the righteousness of the scribes and 
pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the 
kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5 : 20. 

From this I would have thee to learn, that 
with all thy morality, formal prayers, alms- 
giving, apparent piety, and with all thy car- 
nal faith, outward confession and worship of 
God, thou shalt be finally lost, unless thou 
shalt have something to exceed all this. 

II. 

Thou must first become poor in spirit and 
filled with godly sorrow ; thou must become 
meek, must hunger and thirst in thy soul af- 
ter the righteousness of Christ, which alone 
is accepted of God ; thou must become mer- 
ciful and compassionate towards thy friends 
and thy enemies ; thou must, through the 
blood of Christ, obtain a pure heart in which 
thou mayest see God, and perceive that God 
is reconciled unto thee through the death of 
his son, by whom we have access by faith 
into this grace. Rom. 5 : 2. 

Therefore Paul says, Where is boasting 

c4 



80 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

then? It is excluded, By what law? Of 
works ? Nay : but by the law of faith. Rom. 
3 : 27. Here then is an end to boasting; here 
a person liveth no longer himself, but Christ 
by his righteousness liveth in him (Gal. 2 : 
20) : therefore he that glorieth, let him glory 
in the Lord, (2 Cor. 10: 17. 1 Cor. 1: 31,) 
and live by faith; for he hath attained, in 
the gospel, the righteousness of God revealed 
from faith to faith: as it is written. The just 
shall live by faith. Rom. 1: 17. Habak. 
2: 4. 

This faith, nevertheless, cannot exist with- 
out works ; for without them it is dead ; as 
the body without the spirit is dead, so faith 
without works is dead also, (James 2: 26,) 
but with this difference: we must do the 
works not of ourselves, but by faith, that the 
honor may not be unto us, but unto God; 
for to this effect is the saying of Paul, We 
are his workmanship created unto good 
works, which God hath before ordained that 
we should walk in them. Eph. 2: 10. 

Now, that we are created by grace as a 
work of God, we can not discontinue the 
same; for faith is constantly bringing forth 
its fruits in us; as a productive tree cannot 
conceal its fruit, neither can faith, which is 
constantly bringing forth its fruits in us, 
which are love, joy, peace, long suffering, gen- 
tleness, goodness, meekness, chastity, truth, 
righteousness, humility, godliness, modesty 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 81 

and temperance. Gal. 5: 22. Eph. 3: 12. 
2 Pet 1 : 5, 6, 7. 

Faith always looks unto Christ, and re- 
ceives of his fullness grace for grace (John 1 : 
16); and all these works, which true faith 
works in us by love, a person does not as- 
cribe to himself, but to God, who worketh all 
things in him by the spirit of Christ; thus a 
man offers again by faith all things unto God. 
As all the water comes from the sea and 
flows back thither again, (Eccl. 40: 11. 
Prov. 1: 7,) so all the virtue and fruits of the 
Spirit proceed from God to our souls, and 
flow thither again through the spirit of faith, 
constituting a complete spiritual engine, kept 
always in motion by faith through love, as 
living members of the body of Christ, bone 
of his bone and flesh of his flesh. Therefore 
they are not strong in themselves; that is, of 
themselves they can do nothing, but they can 
do all things through Christ, who strengthen- 
eth them. Phil. 4: 13. And being mem- 
bers of their Head, Christ Jesus, they are 
obedient and submissive, and follow their 
Head, who preserves them alive by the influx 
of his heavenly love, and gives them power 
to become the children of God (John l) ; and 
if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint 
heirs with Christ. Rom. 8: 17. 

This, then, is the true righteousness of 
Christ; this is the real wedding garment, 
which a man puts on after he has in humil- 

c5 



82 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

ity of spirit put off the old garment, and laid 
aside his own righteousness. This is, as it 
is called, to put on Christ, (Rom. 12): and be 
rooted and built up in him (Col. 2:7): this 
is the kingdom of God within us, (Luke 17: 
21,) and the righteousness which exceeds the 
righteousness of the scribes and pharisees. 

Jesus, tbe true righteousness, 
Which, ours destroyed, doth us possess, 
The Lord doth for our souls provide, 
What by the law was ne'er supplied. 
Whereby we are with God made one, 
Receiving the triumphal crown, 
Both death and hell to overcome, 
blessed God, through thy dear son ! 
But this no pharisees possess, 
Because they do not seek thy grace, 
And hence they will as outcasts be, 
In satan's power eternally. 

From this thou canst conclude that it be- 
hooves thee to remain, as a sucking child, at 
the breast of Jesus and his righteousness, and 
learn of him, following his pattern and exam- 
ple, and confessing that without him thou 
canst not do any thing; that thou may est 
.abide in humility; for what hast thou that 
thou didst not receive ? Now if thou receive 
it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not 
received it? 1 Cor. 4: 7. 

Now, my beloved fellow man, examine 
thyself by the above criterion, and see wheth- 
er though hast become such a disciple of Je- 
sus: whether thou hast assumed the nature 
of Christ, attained his righteousness by faith, 
and, as a productive tree, bringest forth the 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 83 

fruits of godliness, that henceforth thou may- 
est not live unto thyself, but unto him who 
died for thee and rose again. 2 Cor. 5: 15. 
If thou hast attained these things, the exac- 
tions of Christ in his sermon, or in his whole 
gospel, will not be oppressive; for thy heart 
and will are in his possession, so that thou 
canst with him undergo all kinds of suffer- 
ings, and through faith in him, always come 
forth conqueror, as St. Paul says, In all these 
things we are more than conquerors through 
him that loved us. Rom. 8 : 37. 

If thou hast not attained to this ; if thou 
remainest yet in thy nature, not subject to 
Christ Jesus, thou wilt perhaps be astonished 
and say, Who then can be saved ? Why so ? 
Because thou knowest not the power of God, 
neither considerest that what is impossible 
with thee, is possible with God. Mark 10: 
24, 26. 

III. 

Now Christ proceeds, saying, Ye have 
heard that it was said by them of old time, 
Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall 
kill, shall be in danger of the judgment: But 
I say unto you, (as the perfect lawgiver) that 
whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be 
in danger of the judgment: but whosoever 
shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of 
hell fire. Verses 21, 22. 

c6 



84 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Now, my dear reader, ask thy own con- 
science how oft thou hast been angry with 
thy brother professor, and hast borne in thy 
heart bitter hatred against him, altho' thou 
art in danger of the judgment; and not only 
this, but thou hast out of a malicious heart 
called him Raca, and frequently wished him 
all manner of evil, though thou wast in dan- 
ger of the council: and all this was not 
enough, but thou hast, out of a malignant 
heart, not only called him a fool, but hast 
cursed and sworn at him, and wished his soul 
at the devil; these, and similar aspirations, 
thou hast been guilty of, though Christ de- 
clares that thou art in danger of hell fire; not 
to mention that together with all this, thou 
livest days and years with him in strife and 
litigation, nay, thou marchest forth against 
him with deadly weapons, and takest away 
his life, when thou oughtest to know, that no 
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (l 
John 3: 15); and whosoever hateth his broth- 
er, (though he hath not killed him) is a mur- 
derer. And in this ungodly condition thou 
presumest that thou art a christian, and bring- 
est thy prayer or gift to the altar of Christ, 
though he commanded thee that if thou 
bringest thy gift to the altar, and there remem- 
berest that thy brother hath aught against 
thee, to leave there thy gift before the altar, 
and go thy way (wait not till he cometh, but 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 85 

go thy way) and first be reconciled to thy 
brother, and then come and offer thy gift 
Verses 23, 24. 

Therefore Paul says, Follow peace with all 
men, and holiness, without which no man 
shall see the Lord. Heb. 12: 14. But thou, 
having thy heart unsanctified and thy spirit 
towards thy brother unreconciled, regardest 
this not ; for thy mind is too proud and arro- 
gant to permit thee to humble thyself before 
thy brother, and solicit him for peace and ob- 
tain reconciliation with him, though thou 
shouldst not let the sun go down on thy 
wrath, (Eph. 4: 26,) for the wrath of man 
worketh not the righteousness of God. James 
1; 20. Therefore James says in the 3d chap- 
ter, If ye have bitter envying and strife in 
your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the 
truth. This wisdom descendeth not from 
above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For 
where envying and strife is, there is confusion 
and every evil work. But the wisdom that 
is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, 
gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy 
and good fruits, without partiality and with*- 
out hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteous- 
ness is sown in peace of them that make 
peaca 

Yea, it is the part of a christian, if possible, 
to live peaceably with all men : he doth not 
desire to avenge himself, but leaveth ven- 
geance unto the Lord; he overcometh evil 



86 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

with good (Rom. 12); he is forbearing and 
compassionate towards his irreconciled breth- 
ren, according to the directions and example 
of Christ. 

For it reads further, Agree with thine ad- 
versary quickly, (and wait not long) whilst 
thou art in the way with him ; lest at any 
time (namely at the day of judgment) the 
adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the 
judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be 
cast into prison; verily I say unto thee, thou 
shalt by no means come out thence, till thou 
hast paid the uttermost farthing. Verses 25,26. 

In the first place it is to be observed, that 
the righteousness of God, discovered in the 
law, is our adversary as long as we live in 
actual transgression and do not humble our- 
selves under the grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ; for God resisteth the proud, 1 Pet. 5: 
5. Whosoever is a friend of the world, is 
the enemy of God (James 4 : 4) : God is his 
adversary, his righteousness passes sentence 
of condemnation upon him ; therefore it be- 
hooves us quickly to be reconciled with this 
righteousness, and comply with* its terms 
while we are yet in the way with it; that is, 
to humble ourselves in the day of grace, and 
be reconciled to God through Christ Jesus, 
(2 Cor. 5 : 20,) lest at any time on the day of 
judgment this irreconciled righteousness de- 
liver us to the judge, Christ Jesus, who will 
come to judge the world in righteousness, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 87 

(Acts 17 : 31,) and the judge deliver us to the 
officer, namely the angels of his power, (2 
Thess. 1: 7,) who will cast us into a furnace 
of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing 
of teeth. Matt. 13: 41,42. Chap. 25: 30. 

In the second place if we have obtained 
this reconciliation with God, and, together 
with this, have been forgiven the ten thou- 
sand pounds which we owed to righteous- 
ness, and will not afterwards remit to our 
fellow servant his debts, and forgive him, as 
God through Christ has forgiven us, but take 
him by the neck and evilly treat him ; then 
righteousness will take hold of us again, and 
cast us with all our debts into the prison of 
hell, from whence we shall by no means 
come out till we have paid the uttermost far- 
thing. Matt 18. 

IV. 

But some will object here, and say, that 
when the last farthing is paid, a person shall 
be released from hell. 

I answer, first, that Christ speaks in this 
place by way of parable, in which a man is 
represented as owing an earthly king ten thou- 
sand pounds, and not having wherewith to 
pay, the king commands his servants to cast 
him into prison, with the denunciation that 
he shall not come out till he has paid the 
uttermost farthing. Now let every one judge 
for himself whether this debtor, who is worth 



88 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

nothings will ever be able to pay his debts by 
being in prison. I think he never will, be- 
cause there is, as everybody knows, no ser- 
vice rendered by imprisonment In like 
manner, if, in consequence of our not having 
obtained, in the day of grace, this reconcilia- 
tion with God, we are cast into hell, we will 
there render no service with which to pay 
our debts. 

On the other hand, even if a prisoner could 
at length pay his debt, and be released by his 
lord : would he thank him for it ? I think 
not. For what must be paid first before a 
release is obtained, is not grace but service. 
So also if a man could at length pay God the 
last farthing in the torment of hell, and God 
would release him therefrom : would this be 
grace ? No, it would be service, and inasmuch 
as it is service, such person could not praise 
God for his mercy, since he was not released 
by mercy but by merit. 

Therefore Christ declares to us in this para- 
ble that we should be reconciled to God in the 
day of grace, for through him we have all access 
by one spirit unto the Father. Eph. 2: 18. 

In the second place Christ says of the 
slothful servant who had not put his money 
to the exchangers, Take the talent fron> him, 
and give it to him who hath ten talents. For 
unto every one that hath, shall be given, and 
he shall have abundance : but from him that 
hath not, shall be taken away even that 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 89 

which he hath. And cast ye the unprofita- 
ble servant into outer darkness: there shall 
be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt 25. 
Mark 4: 25. 

Now it is to be observed, in the first place, 
that man is, by the fall of Adam, impregnated 
with the seed of sin or the devil, and this 
seed, having begun by lust to bring &rth sin 
and its fruit, so that sin is fulfilled, brings 
forth death. James 1: 15. For he that com- 
mitteth sin, is of the devil, for the devil sin- 
neth from the beginning. For this purpose 
the Son of God was manifested that he might 
destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3 : 8. 
That is, Christ came into the world to deliver 
men from the power of satan, to take away 
the prey from the mighty, (Is. 49: 24. Matt 
12: 29,) to open the eyes of the blind, to bring 
out the prisoners from the prison, and them 
that sit in the darkness out of the prison 
house. Is. 42: 7. Matt 4: 16. For he 
hath, through death, destroyed him that had 
the power of death, that is, the devil, and de- 
livered them who, through fear of death, were 
all their life time subject to bondage, (Heb. 
2: 14, 15,) and having spoiled principalities 
and powers, he made a show of them, openly, 
triumphing over them in it, (Col. 2: 15,) so 
that Christ has placed us again on fair foot- 
ing, having by his gospel invited us all, 
namely Jews and gentiles, nay all Adam's 
posterity, to his great supper (Luke 14); so 



90 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

that Adam's transgression cannot condemn 
lis, nor the power of satan retard lis, if we 
follow the light of Christ, which, beaming 
forth in his gracious gospel, irradiates and 
vivifies our souls. 

For he is the light that lighteth every man 
that cometh into the world, (John 1,) for he 
delivers or tenders to the most ordinary 
individual one talent at least, which it is in- 
cumbent upon him to put to usury. Now if 
he puts this talent to usury, he will gain other 
talents, and will enter into the joy of his Lord : 
for he that is faithful over a few things, shall 
be made ruler over many things. 

If, on the other hand, he does not put this 
accepted grace to usury, but buries it in an 
earthly heart, and lives after the will of the 
flesh or the devil, till his death, or till his 
Lord cometh, this grace or spiritual seed will 
be taken away entirely from his soul; noth- 
ing divine will be permitted to remain ; and 
the soul will in consequence, as a dumb 
spirit of darkness, be east into everlasting fire ? 
prepared for the devil and his angels. Matt 
25: 30,41. 

Now, if the soul has not obtained a spir- 
itual birth from God, she is a birth of the 
devil, nay an angel of the devil ; for whoso- 
ever committeth sin is of the devil, and is a 
child of the devil. 1 John 3: 8, 10. John 
8: 44. 

Now the question is, If the soul is entirely 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 91 

deprived of divine seed, and is, as an angel 
of satan, cast out into everlasting darkness, 
how can a divine birth, independent of di- 
vine seed, be brought forth by an angel of 
satan, nay of everlasting darkness ? If a 
woman cannot bear unless she first conceives, 
how can a soul that is deprived beforehand 
of every divine principle, bring forth a divine 
essence ? Thou mayest perhaps reply that 
God is able again to impregnate her. This 
is true, if it was not at variance with his 
righteous plan; but we do not find that 
Christ promised the slothful servant, that after 
he had undergone a long torment in hell he 
would restore the talent which had been ta- 
ken from him, but he three times reiterates, 
Where the worm dieth not and the fire is not 
quenched. Mark 9 : 44, 46, 48. Paul says, 
It is appointed unto man once to die, and af- 
ter this the judgment. Heb. 9 : 27. There- 
fore after death and judgment it will be in 
vain for a person to call for comfort or for a 
drop of water to cool his parched tongue ; for 
the great gulf or stern righteousness is im- 
moveably fixed between heaven and hell, be- 
tween the happy and the miserable. Luke 
16. 

wretched man ! who accepteth not this 
grace that bringeth salvation, which hath ap- 
peared unto thee, (Tit. 2: 11,) and hardenest 
thy heart against the voice of the Lord, (Heb. 
3 : 7, 8,) and neglectest to enter into this rest, 



92 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

of which a promise is made unto us, (chap 
4: 1,) though God has declared in numerous 
passages of scripture that thou shalt be tor- 
mented with fire and brimstone, day and 
night, for ever and ever ; yea, it shall be thy 
everlasting inheritance, and thou shalt dwell 
there for ever and ever. Is. 34. Rev. 14: 
10, 11. 

But thou startest this objection, Eternity 
will not endure through all ages, but will 
finally come to an end; for the Lord said 
unto Moses concerning the servant who 
would not go out free from his master, His 
master shall bring him to the door or unto 
the door-post, and shall bore his ear through 
with an awl ; and he shall serve him forever. 
Ex. 26: 6. Now when this servant dies, the 
forever or eternity is at an end. 

I answer, it is a fact that as soon as the 
servant died, the eternity to him was at an 
end ; but had he never died, had his life nev- 
er come to an end, then the eternity of his 
bondage had never drawn to an end. 

In the same manner, the soul that will not 
go out free from the servitude of satan in this 
jubilee of grace, (for this is the acceptable 
year of the Lord, in which the captives are to 
be delivered, and the bruised set free, (Is. 6 1 ; 
1. Luke 4: 18, 19,) but loves the master of 
darkness, and suffers her ear to be bored 
through at the door-post of hell, (even in this 
year of jubilee when she might go out free) 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 93 

shall remain his servant forever. Mark, the 
soul is willing to devote her ear, that is, her 
hearing, entirely to the voice of satan, and 
cleave to him, despising the deliverance of 
the jubilee. 

Now, as the servant who would not be 
set free in the year of jubilee, had to remain 
a servant forever, that is, as long as he lived, 
and had no opportunity or promise of ever 
again going out free, but had to be in bon- 
dage to his master as long as he lived : so the 
soul which will not be set at liberty in the 
jubilee of grace, will be compelled to re- 
main a servant or an angel of the devil for- 
ever, that is, during the whole period of its 
existence. 

Now, if it can be evinced that the soul, af- 
ter a long eternity, shall arrive at an end in 
its existence and be annihilated, then it can 
be demonstrated that the eternity of its dura- 
tion shall draw to a close. But if it is an 
established fact that the soul is immortal, then 
it remains that the eternity of its existence 
has no end. 

Thou may est perhaps reply, The soul must 
be refined in the fire of hell till every devil- 
ish principle is consumed and purified, and 
then the eternity of its damnation will be 
consummated. 

I answer, how can any thing that is im- 
pure or filthy in itself, serve to make clean ? 
How shall the impure fire of hell cleanse the 



94 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

soul from its hellish principles, seeing the im- 
pure fire of darkness here in this season of 
grace, inflames the whole course of nature, 
if only that small member, the tongue, is set 
on fire of hell. James 3 : 6. If this impure 
fire accends the whole course of nature here 
in the season of grace, where the spirit of God 
strives with us, and the fire of the love of 
Jesus, together with his merit, is tendered us 
for purification, what power then shall this 
tenebrious fire have to purify the soul in hell 
after it is forsaken by the Holy Spirit, and left 
destitute of the grace of God ? 

Oh reader! this is the season of grace, this 
is the day of salvation and the acceptable 
year of the Lord (2 Cor. 6: 2. Luke 4: 19); 
now an open door is set before thee, and no 
man can shut it (Rev. 3 : 8) ; therefore enter 
in, and seek not to climb up some other way 
(John 10) ; now thirst after righteousness, and 
come, and it shall be administered unto thee. 
John 7 : 37. 

Now, the justification of life is come upon 
all men, that they be not, for Adam's oifence, 
made subjects of condemnation. Rom. 5. 
But take heed, lest after thy hardness and im- 
penitent heart thou freely subjectest thyself 
to condemnation. Rom. 2 : 5. Now is the 
true time of restoration; see therefore that 
thou resistest not. Now we are all invited 
to the great supper of the Lamb; beware of 
being busied with oxen and lands, and of ex- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 95 

cusing thyself till another time. If thou dost so 
thou shalt surely never taste his supper. Luke 
16. Now is the time in which thou must be 
born from above, or never see the kingdom of 
God. John 3. Now is the time in which thou 
must receive Christ Jesus and believe in him, 
or endure the wrath of God forever (John 3 : 
16); for the angel hath sworn by him that 
liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, 
and the things that are therein, and the earth, 
and the things that are therein, and the sea, 
and the things which are therein, that there 
should be time no longer. But in the days of 
the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall 
begin to sound the mystery of God should be 
finished, as he hath declared to his servants 
the prophets. Rev. 10: 6, 7. 

This is the mystery of which Christ speaks 
when he says, Of that day and that hour 
knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, 
but the Father only. Matt. 24 : 36. Mark 
13 : 32. And this is the hour that is to come, 
in which all that are in the graves shall hear 
his voice and come forth; they that have 
done good, to the resurrection of life ; and 
they that have done evil, to the resurrection 
of damnation. John 5. For as in Adam all 
die, (understand a natural death) even so (in 
the resurrection of the dead) shall all be made 
alive. But every one in his order: Christ the 
first fruits ; afterwards they that are Christ's 
at his coming. Then cometh the end, when 



96 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

he shall have delivered up the kingdom to 
God, even the Father ; when he shall have 
put down all rule, and all authority and 
pOAver. For he must reign till he hath put 
all enemies under his feet. The last enemy 
that shall be destroyed is death. 1 Cor. 15. 
For as long as the resurrection of the dead 
has not arrived, so long is not death destroyed, 
and so long must Christ reign in his saints, 
that they may be enabled to conquer death ; 
for through his death he hath destroyed him 
that had the power of death, that is, the devil ; 
and hath delivered them who, through fear 
of death, were all their life-time subject to 
bondage. Heb. 2 : 14, 15. 

Though such a deliverance is obtained by 
the death and resurrection of Christ as ena- 
bles all saints, through faith in Jesus, to 
conquer eternal death in the Spirit, yet death 
still retains the power, by means of his poi- 
sonous darts, of slaying them according to the 
flesh ; and as long as this death is not destroy- 
ed by the resurrection of the dead, so long 
must Christ reign in his saints against sin, 
death and the devil. Therefore David in 
spirit calleth him Lord, as Christ told the 
pharisees, The Lord said unto my Lord, set 
thou on my right hand, till I make thine 
enemies thy footstool. Ps. 110: 1. Matt, 
22: 14. 

Now, until Christ shall come to judgment 
he will not have made his enemies his foot- 



i 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 97 

stool ; but when he shall come, surrounded 
with myriads of holy angels, or as Paul ex- 
presses it, shall descend from heaven with a 
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and 
with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ 
shall rise first, then we which are alive and 
remain, shall be caught up together with them 
in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; 
and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 
Thess. 4: 16, 17. 

At this time will heaven and earth, as John 
saw in the spirit, flee away before his face, 
and no place be found for them; and the 
dead, both small and great, shall stand before 
God, and be judged out of those things which 
are written in the books, according to their 
works : For the sea shall give up the dead 
that be in it ; and death and hell shall deliver 
up their dead (that is the death which hath 
wrapped mortals in the shroud of silent sleep, 
and that hell or the grave in which they took 
their long repose, must deliver up their dead 
in the resurrection), that every one may be 
judged according to his works; and death 
and hell shall be cast into the lake of fire. 
This is the second death. 

That is the death which reigned not only 
over the flesh, but also over the spirit, of the 
ungodly, who, through sin in their members, 
brought forth fruit unto death, and had no 
part with Christ in the first spiritual resurreo 



98 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

tion, but kept both soul and body under the 
dominion of death and hell, by which their 
tongues were set on fire and their whole 
course of nature inflamed, and must now be 
cast into the lake of fire, which is the second 
death ; for the temporal, or first death, must 
deliver them from sleep and the grave unto 
judgment, and, since spiritual death and hell 
abide in them, and their names are not writ- 
ten in the book of life, they shall be cast into 
the lake of fire. 

But from all those who have conquered 
spiritual death and hell in this life through 
Christ Jesus, and have part with him in his 
resurrection, temporal death and the grave, as 
well as the opposition of hell, shall be far 
removed, nay, shall flee away to the lake of 
fire ; then they in fullness of joy shall sing 
the triumphant song, Death is swallowed up 
in victory. death ! where is thy sting ? 
hell ! where is thy victory ? (or as the pres- 
ent translation has it, grave ! where is thy 
victory ?) And thank God who giveth them 
the victory through their Lord Jesus Christ 
1 Cor. 15. Here apply the words of the 
prophet Hosea 13: 14, where he speaks of 
the resurrection of the happy, saying, I will 
ransom them from the power of hell ; I will 
redeem them from death ; death, I will be 
thy plagues, hell, I will be thy destruction. 
(Or, as our present version has it, \ will ran- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 99 

som them from the power of the grave ; 
death, I will be thy plagues, grave, I will 
be thy destruction.) 

Since Christ has ascended into heaven and 
sits at the right hand of God, and must reign 
till he makes his enemies his footstool, and 
the last enemy destroyed is death, who is 
destroyed in the resurrection of the dead, we 
axe to consider that heaven is God's throne, 
and the earth is his footstool (Matt. 5 : 34, 
35) ; and since heaven and earth are kept by 
his word in store, as Peter informs us, (2 
Epist. 3,) reserved unto fire against the day 
of judgment and perdition of ungodly men, 
also the heavens shall pass away with a great 
noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent 
heat, the earth also and the works therein 
shall be burnt up ; then will the streams be 
turned into pitch, and the dust into brimstone, 
and the land into burning pitch, which shall 
not be quenched night nor day ; the smoke 
thereof shall go up forever ; from generatidn 
to generation it shall lie waste; no one shall 
pass through it for ever and ever. But be- 
fore this comes to pass, all those who embrace 
Christ shall be caught up in th$ clouds to meet 
the Lord in the air; and so shall be forever 
with the Lord. 1 Thess. 4: 17. 

For Noah had first to enter the ark before 
the flood came over the ungodly and swept 
them all away (Gen. 7) : Lot had first to leave 



100 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Sodom before the Lord destroyed it with fire 
and brimstone. Gen. 19: 22. So also the 
children of God must have taken their de- 
parture out of this world into their Father's 
kingdom, which was prepared for them from 
the foundation of the world, before the earth 
and the elements are changed and the un- 
godly hear the sentence, Depart ye cursed 
into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and 
his angels. Matt. 25. Then will his ene- 
mies be laid at his footstool ; for the earth is 
his footstool, from which, being changed, a 
smoke shall go up for ever and ever. 

When he has, in the resurrection of the 
dead and in the judgment, put all his enemies 
under his feet, then shall the Son also himself 
be subject unto him that put all things under 
him, that God may be all in all. 1 Cor. 15 : 
27, 28. Remember, he does not say, he has 
released or exalted his enemies, but he has 
put them under his feet, that they may no 
more have it in their power to persecute him, 
or despise his saints, in whom he has ever 
suffered persecution. Luke 10 : 16. 

Then will God wipe away all tears from 
the eyes of the righteous, and there shall be 
no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, 
neither shall there be any more pain ; for the 
former things are passed away, and he that 
sitteth on the throne maketh all things new ; 
as Peter says, We, according to his promise, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 101 

look for new heavens and a new earth, 
wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3 : 
13 Is. 65: 17, chap. 66: 22. 

He that overcometh shall inherit all things ; 
and God will be his God and he shall be 
God's son. But the fearful and unbelieving, 
and the abominable, and murderers, and 
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, 
and all liars, shall have their part in the lake 
which burneth with fire and brimstone ; 
which is the second death. Rev. 21. 

Now is fulfilled all that God has spoken, 
threatened, and promised by the mouth of all 
his prophets, yea by Christ himself; for now 
unto the righteous is paradise opened, the tree 
of life is planted, the time to come is prepar- 
ed, plenteousness is made ready, a city is 
builded, and rest is allowed, yea, perfect good- 
ness ahd wisdom, the root of evil is sealed 
up from them, weakness and the moth is hid 
from them, and corruption is fled into hell 
to be forgotten ; sorrows are passed, and in 
the end is shown the treasure of immortality. 
Therefore it was said to Esdras, Ask thou no 
more questions concerning the multitude of 
them that perish. For when they had taken 
liberty, they despised the Most High, thought 
scorn of his law, and forsook his ways. 
Moreover they have trodden down his right- 
eous, and said in their heart, there is no God, 
yea, and that knowing they must die. For 
as the righteous shall be comforted, so thirst, 



102 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

pain, and torment are prepared for them. 2 
Esdras 8. Luke 16. how blessed are they 
that do his commandments, that they may 
have right to the tree of life, and may enter in 
through the gates into the city. Rev. 22: 14. 

V. 

Come then, ye sinners, who spend your 
time in the gay and volatile pleasures of the 
world, open the book of your conscience, 
and reflect upon your impure, carnal, and 
ungodly lives, and consider the end of the 
same, and after the end the judgment, and 
after the judgment the long vista of eternity, 
when time shall be no longer, as was sworn 
by the mighty angel. Rev. 10: 6, 7. Re- 
member that every duration that comes to an 
end is a time ; it may continue a thousand, 
ten thousand, or a hundred thousand years, 
yet if there is a limit set to it, it is a time. 
But after the sound of the last trump and 
the voice of the archangel, there shall be time 
no longer, no more time to draw to an end, 
no more time for repentance and salvation. 
For if a man lives a hundred years, it is to 
to eternity as a drop of water to the whole 
sea. dreadful eternity! Endless ages re- 
plete with horror to the damned ; on the con- 
trary, joyful eternity ! Ages of extatic bliss 
to the saints in heaven. ! who then will 
be so foolish as to sell, like Esau, his birth- 
right for a morsel of terrestrial pleasure, and, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 103 

thereby, lose the everlasting benediction. 
Gen. 25: 33, and 27: 30. Heb. 12: 16,17. 
0, should not one's flesh tremble for fear 
when one thinks upon the law of the Lord, 
(Ps. 119: 120); should we not tremble, like 
Belshazzar, when with an awakened con- 
science, we read the holy scriptures, (Dan. 5,) 
and see the threatenings pronounced by God 
against all sinners. Oh God ! grant that all 
may see this, before the silver cord be loosed, 
or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher 
be broken at the fountain. Eccl. 12 : 6. 

ye sons of men ! with bruised and con- 
trite hearts, and suppliant hands, draw nigh 
unto the crucified Savior, and learn wisdom; 
follow his counsel, and humble yourselves at 
his feet ; let your implacable and revengeful 
hearts be circumcised, and your cupidity be 
changed into liberality ; lay aside your folly 
and arrogance, and forsake your dissolute and 
licentious lives ; employ your tongues no 
more in cursing, swearing, and jesting, but 
use them in supplication, prayer and entreaty 
for your salvation: consume your time no 
longer in reading unprofitable books, but 
search the holy scriptures, and give ear to 
the words of God, having the same ingrafted 
in you, which is able to save your souls. 
James 1:21. If you have strife and conten- 
tion among you, seek peace and reconcilia- 
tion, and let not the sun go down on your 
wrath (Eph. 4: 26); for you know not wheth- 



104 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

er you shall live another day ; najr, it may 
be you are standing on the very brink of 
eternity ; put not off repentance and conver- 
sion from day to day ; for there is no promise 
of to-morrow. Therefore be not deceived, 
my friends, be not deceived; God is not 
mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that 
shall he also reap ; he that soweth to his flesh, 
shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that 
soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap 
life everlasting. Gal. 6 : 8. 

Therefore take counsel from Christ, and 
seek the righteousness which exceeds the 
righteousness of the scribes and pharisees; 
be not lulled into security by a false reliance 
upon outward worship, going to church, and 
acts of benevolence, independent of repen- 
tance and true conversion, and of the renova- 
ting efficacy of the Holy Spirit; but endeavor 
to work out your salvation with fear and 
trembling ; for it is God that worketh in you 
both to will and to do, of his good pleasure. 
Phil. 12: 13. Strive to enter in at the straight 
gate: for many will seek to enter in, and 
shall not be able. Luke 1 3. Why so ? Be- 
cause they do not first become poor, vile and 
humble before God, and put off the old man 
by grace, so that they may, by faith, put on 
the new man, but seek and strive to enter in 
by virtue of good works, almsdeeds, prayer, 
going to church and outward services, when 
the heart is far from God, though such per- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR 105 

sons persuade themselves they possess the 
peculiar privilege of getting to heaven, so that 
they have the assurance to say, Have we not 
eaten and drunk in thy presence, and hast 
thou not taught in our streets ? But with all 
their reputed good works and flattering ex- 
pectations, they shall hear the sentence, De- 
part from me, I know you not. 

Therefore, dear man, I repeat it again, cir- 
cumcise thy heart of flesh, and turn thee unto 
the Lord thy God, and learn his ways, and 
thou shalt live. Be not angry with thy 
brother, nor indulge malice towards thy fel- 
low men, but seek peace, and ensue it ; for 
the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, 
and his ears are open unto their prayers. 1 
Pet. 3: 11, 12. 

how few take this to heart ! How little 
faith do we find among the children of men! 
For we may well apply to the present time 
the words of the prophet, Take ye heed every 
one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any 
brother : for every brother will utterly sup- 
plant, and every neighbor will walk with 
slanders. And they will deceive every one 
his neighbor, and will not speak the truth : 
they have taught their tongues to speak lies, 
and weary themselves to commit iniquity. 
Jer. 9. This is plainly the case in buying 
and selling, in bartering and trading, as may 
be seen almost everywhere ; for if a man has 
an article of any kind to sell, he generally 



106 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

praises it more than he ought, in order that 
he may sell it to advantage; if there is 
anything he is desirous of buying, he for 
the most part disparages it more than is just, 
merely that he may get it cheap ; if two men 
trade, they tiy their best, in most instances 
to cheat one another; but if they cannot do 
this, they are grieved that they could not 
commit iniquity. how little respect is paid 
to this injunction of Christ, As ye would that 
men should do unto you, do ye also to them 
likewise. Matt. 7: 12. Luke 6: 31. 

If two men live at variance with one 
another, each contends strenuously that he 
is in the right ; if you ask one of them con- 
cerning the cause of the dispute, it would 
appear that the other has been the sole in- 
strument of involving him in difficulty; 
if you inquire of the other, he will tell you he 
himself is in the right. All this is the result 
of self-love, which makes a person try to con- 
ceal his errors from the observation of man- 
kind. But, ye men, if you could but see 
that you stand exposed, in all your naked- 
ness, to the view of Almighty God, who will 
judge the secrets of your hearts, (Rom. 2: 16,) 
you would abandon forever your contesta- 
tions, and each would confess with David, I 
am the man who has sinned. 1 Chron. 21 : 
17. For there is scarcely any dispute for 
which reason cannot be assigned on both 
sides ; therefore let every one humble him- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 107 

self, confess his errors, and seek peace and 
ensue it: for without peace, and without 
holiness no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 
12: 14. The angels in heaven rejoiced, ap- 
peared unto the shepherds, and exclaimed, 
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
peace, good will towards men, (Luke 2 : 14,) 
at the birth of our Saviour; you are willing to 
be called after his name, and yet desire or 
seek not the same peace. Therefore I would, 
in the first place, admonish all married peo- 
ple, who live in strife and contention, that 
they peruse with diligence the instructions 
of Christ, and learn therefrom that a man 
should love his wife as his own flesh, or as 
Christ loves his church, and has given him- 
self for her. Again, that the wife should be 
subject to her husband, as her head, even as 
the church is subject to Christ (Eph. 5. Col 
3: 18, 19); then will their mutual strife 
soon be at an end; for when evangelical, 
christian virtue and love exert their influence 
between married persons, there can be no 
room for contention and discord, but love 
and humility will reign between them. 

In the second place, I would exhort all 
contending friends, neighbors and brothers to 
reflect upon the precepts and example of 
Christ, and they will soon discover that they 
are not his disciples ; for the wisdom that is 
from above is first pure, then peaceable, gen- 
tle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy 



108 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

and good fruits, without partiality and with- 
out hypocrisy. James 3: 17. that all 
might obtain this wisdom, then would their 
hatred be changed in love and compassion, 
their implacability into condonation, and they 
would be found as children of peace: blessed 
are the peacemakers, for they shall be called 
the children of God. 

But they must first become pure in spirit, 
sorrowful of soul, meek and mild in heart ; 
they must hunger and thirst after the right- 
eousness of Christ, after his principles and 
nature, after his love and patience, after his 
mind and will, that they may, in all respects, 
be prepared, in him, by him, and through 
him, to do all things that are pleasing in his 
sight, in time and eternity. Amen. 

Therefore, man, do not procrastinate; 
console not thyself with the idea that thou 
shalt be able in hell to discharge thy sins, 
but hasten with Lot and flee from the Sod- 
omitish practices of this world, and rescue 
thy soul, that thou mayest be eternally happy. 

God has no pleasure in the death of the 
wicked; why will ye die, house of Israel? 
Ezek. 33: 11. Ezek. 18. 



1. sons of men ! come now and view 
And learn true peace to know; 

"lis offered now by Christ to you, 
do not let it go. 

2. When both thy offering and thy prayer 
Are to the altar brought, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 109 

Thou thinkest that thy brother there 
In right has 'gainst thee aught ; 

3. Then go thy way, and wait not long, 

Be with him reconciled ; 

And thou who hast been in the wrong, 

Be towards him just and mild. 

4. Unless thou art forbearing quite 
Unto thy neighbor nigh, 

Thou may est here in thy respite, 
Enrage the Lord on high. 

5. So that he will not thee forgive, 
And wash away thy stains, 

Then thou in future worlds shalt live, 
In everlasting pains. 

6. Eternity! terrific word, 

Beyond our mortal ken ! 

Thou art a sharp two-edged sword, 

That wounds the souls of men. 

7. Men who lived in sin below 
Eternity shall pierce, 

They would away from Jesus go, 
They lived like heathens fierce. 

8. A circle vast, Eternity, 

Without an end or bound, 
Thy compass is infinity, 
Which mortals cannot sound. 

9. Reflect upon eternity, 
Turn, sinner, to the Lord ; 
And in thy prayer incessant be, 
Till he shall thee reward. 

10. Christ's counsel take, keep in his train, 
Though crosses thee engage, 

That thou be free from tort'ring pain 
In an eternal age. 

11. Eternity will not seem long 

To those who this attain, 

Eor there they'll neither suffer wrong, 

Nor cross, nor death, nor pain. 

d 



110 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

12. Since now their souls are glorified, 

Received the heavenly boon, 

They shall, since they in God abide, 

Outshine the sun at noon. 

13. Praise, glory, power, they'll ever sing, 
In an eternal round, 

To God, the Lamb, the heavenly King. 
Who gave to them the crown. 

Grant us, God, peace-loving hearts, be- 
lieving hearts, hearts in which we may glory- 
in nothing but in Christ and his righteous- 
ness, which thou hast freely offered unto us, 
and which alone is acceptable unto God, that 
thou mayest be just, and the justifier of us 
who have faith in the Lord Jesus. God, 
pour out thy rich treasure into our earthly 
vessels, that the abundant power may be of 
thee, God, and not of ourselves, and that 
we may confess thee, the only true God, and 
Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Ever 
grant us, heavenly Father, an access by faith 
unto his grace, that we may establish our- 
selves therein, and rejoice in the hope of 
future glory, which hope thou, God, hast 
given unto us. Thou hast no pleasure in the 
death of the wicked, neither is it thy will 
that any should perish. Therefore, God, 
as thou feddest Israel with bread from heav- 
en in the wilderness, and gavest him water 
out of the rock to drink, so nourish thou our 
souls with the true bread that descended from 
heaven, and supply them with the water of 
the Holy Spirit, which issues in abundance 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 



Ill 



from the rock Christ Jesus, that we may not 
perish, but have everlasting life. Grant us, 
God, courage and strength to stand firm 
with Christ in the combat against the world, 
the devil, and our own flesh and blood, that 
we may overcome in him who has conquer- 
ed ; and at his second coming may obtain a 
joyful resurrection, and sing forth the song of 
praise and triumph, Death is swallowed up 
in victory, death! where is thy sting? 
grave ! where is thy victory ? and may thank 
thee that thou hast given us the victory 
through Jesus Christ, Amen. 



2d 



CHAPTER THIRD 

Embraces a portion from the 27th verse to the end of the 
chapter. 1. Of adultery and offending members. 2. Of 
the married state. 3. Of oaths. 4. A person should not re- 
sist evil. 5 A man should be thus minded, not only towards 
his brethren, but also towards all men. 6. Who are quali- 
fied for this. 

We will now proceed in the consideration 
of this sermon on the mount, in order that 
we may derive therefrom the correct use and 
understanding of the same for the salvation 
of our souls. Christ concluded his ser- 
mon in these words: Whosoever heareth 
these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will 
liken him unto a wise man, who built his 
house upon a rock ; and every one that hear- 
eth these sayings of mine, and doeth them 
not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who 
built his house upon the sand : and the rain 
descended, and the floods came, and the winds 
blew and beat upon that house ; and it fell : 
and great was the fall of it. Matt. 7. Luke 6. 

Therefore it is of the most vital importance 
for us to hear the words of Christ and do 
thern, inasmuch as he has the words of eter- 
nal life. John 6: 68. Chap. 12: 16. Acts 
5 : 20. And he that rejecteth him, and re- 
ceiveth not his words, hath one that judgeth 
him : the word that I have spoken, the same 
shall judge him in the last day. John 12 : 48. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 113 
I. 

Well then, ye adulterers and adulteresses, 
come, see, and hear what Christ declares in 
this place. Ye have heard that it was said 
by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit 
adultery. Ex.20: 14. Lev. 20 : 10. But I 
(who am the perfect teacher of righteousness) 
say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a 
woman to lust after her, hath committed 
adultery already in his heart. Verses 27, 28. 

0, if a person takes a view of the world 
around him, how many will he find in adul- 
tery, not only in looking upon to lust, but 
taken in the very deed. how many shame- 
ful actions of this kind are manifest in the 
world ; how many run, in shameful concu- 
piscence, after strange women, in order to 
satisfy their unhallowed desires : indeed I do 
not know whether there were more inconti- 
nence and abomination even in Sodom and 
Gomorrah, than there are at the present day 
in the cities and countries of the so named 
Christendom. For how frequently do we 
hear the report of an illegitimate birth, and 
that this or that young woman is pregnant, 
to say nothing of the common prostitutes and 
public houses of shame, after whom men go, 
in the words of Solomon, as an ox goeth to the 
slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the 
stocks ; till a dart strike through the liver, as 
a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not 

d3 



114 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

that it is for his life ; for she hath cast down 
many wounded; yea many strong men have 
been wounded by her; her house is the way 
to hell, going down to the chambers of death. 
Prov. 7. Paul says, Marriage is honorable 
in all, and the bed undefiled : but whoremon- 
gers and adulterers God will judge, (Heb. 13: 
4,) and they shall not inherit the kingdom of 
God. 1 Cor. 6 : 9. Gal. 5:19. Eph. 5 : 5. 
And not only they that commit the crime, 
but they that look on a woman to lust after 
her, have committed it already in their heart ; 
therefore it becomes necessary to pluck out 
the offending eye that lusteth after impurity 
and incontinence, and cast it away ; for it is 
profitable that one of the, members should 
perish, and not that the whole body should 
be cast into hell. Verse 29. 

Concerning the offending members which 
Christ tells us we should pluck out and cast 
from us, we are to understand, that man is 
composed or constituted of two parts, the one 
terrestrial, and the other celestial ; as Paul 
says, There is a natural body, and there is a 
spiritual body. And so it is written, The first 
man Adam was made a living soul, the last 
Adam was made a quickening spirit: how- 
beit, that was not first which is spiritual, 
(observe) but that which is natural; and af- 
terwards that which is spiritual. 1 Cor. 15. 

Now in the natural body we possess* an 
impure, unchaste and animal principle, and 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 115 

as long as we live after the will of the flesh 
we bring forth carnal and impure fruits, as 
Paul declares, The works of the flesh are 
manifest, which are these : Adultery, fornica- 
tion, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, 
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, 
wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, 
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such 
like : of which I tell you before, as I have 
old you in time past, that they which do 
such things, shall not inherit the kingdom of 
God (Gal. 5) ; they not only do the same, but 
have pleasure in them that do them. Rom. 
1 : 32. 

But Christ says, Pluck out these members, 
and cast them from you, that the whole body 
may not be cast into hell. Verse 30. 

Paul says, Mortify therefore your mem- 
bers which are upon the earth ; fornication, 
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concu- 
piscence, and covetousness which is idolatry; 
for which things sake the wrath of God com- 
eth on the children of disobedience. Col. 3. 
Also : know ye not, that he who is joined to 
a harlot is one body ? for the two (saith he) 
shall be one flesh. But he that is joined 
unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. 
Every sin that a man doeth is without the 
body; but he that committeth fornication 
sinneth against his own body. 1 Cor. 6. 

Therefore, ye men, who languish in in- 
ordinate affection, and go after strange women 
U 



116 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

till you have satisfied your devilish appeten- 
cy, think upon your latter end, and repent, 
and abandon your accursed and disgraceful 
course of life; pluck out your appetent and 
impure eye, and cast it from you, lest you be 
cast into hell, where the worm dieth not and 
the fire is not quenched. Mark 9. Put off, 
concerning the former conversation, the old 
man, which is corrupt according to the de- 
ceitful lusts ; and be renewed in the spirit of 
your mind ; and put on the new man, which 
after God is created in righteousness and true 
holiness. Eph. 4. Col. 3. For to whom ye 
yield yourselves servants to obey, his ser- 
vants ye are to whom ye obey ; whether of 
sin unto death, or of obedience unto right- 
eousness. Rom. 6: 16. Therefore I counsel 
you with Paul, that ye yield no longer your 
members as instruments of unrighteousness 
unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as 
those that are alive from the dead : and your 
members as instruments of righteousness 
unto God. Rom. 6:13. For sin shall not 
have dominion over you, if you yield your- 
selves to Christ and suffer his grace to reign 
over you. Verse 14. Oh, I think it is time 
that you awake and take counsel from Christ, 
that you may be eternally happy. Oh, but 
think of the dreadful burning hell that threat- 
ens you if you die in your sins ! Therefore 
I repeat it, Awake! awake! for the judge 
standeth at the door prepared to recompense 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 117 

every man according to his works; if ye live 
after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through 
the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, 
ye shall live. Rom. 8. Oh God! grant that 
this may make a deep impression upon the 
minds of all who are yet in bondage to sin, 
that they may daily learn, and sensibly feel 
in their souls, the tremendous doom that is 
suspended over them on account of their 
heinous crimes, and may thereby repent and 
humble themselves under the hand of thy 
power, to the preservation of their souls, 
through Jesus Christ, Amen. 

II. 

For as much as the world by sin and vice 
has fallen from its primitive state, Christ has 
by his gospel reinstated the original order of 
things, which the law could not do, in that 
it was weak through the flesh. Rom. 8 : 3. 
For because of the hardness of men's hearts, 
Moses gave them a writing of divorcement,, 
and permitted them to put away their wives :: 
but from the beginning it was not so (Matt. 
19:8. Mark 10: 5, 6); therefore hath Christ 
restored the marriage state to its original 
condition, saying, It hath been said, Whoso- 
ever shall put away his wife, let him give 
her a writing of divorcement (Num. 24) : But 
I say unto you, That whosoever shall put 
away his wife, saving for the cause of forni- 
cation, causeth her to commit adultery : and 

d5 



118 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

whosoever marrieth her that is divorced, com- 
mitteth adultery. Verse 32. For from the 
beginning of the creation God made them 
male and female. For this cause a man 
shall leave his father and mother and cleave 
unto his wife ; and they twain shah be one 
flesh : so then they are no more twain but 
one flesh. What therefore God hath joined 
together, let no man put asunder. Mark 10. 
Luke 16: 18. Paul says, no man ever yet 
hated his own flesh, but nourisheth it and 
cherisheth it. Eph. 5 : 29. Therefore, since 
the man and wife are one flesh, they ought 
not to live together in hatred and discord, 
but should love and serve each other, should 
bear patiently with one another in all crosses 
and tribulations; the wives should submit 
themselves unto their husbands in the fear of 
God, as unto the Lord, (Eph. 5 : 22,) even as 
Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. 1 
Pet 3 : 6. Likewise the husbands ought to 
dwell with them according to knowledge, 
giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weak- 
er vessel, and as being heirs together of the 
grace of life, that your prayers be not hin- 
dered. Verse 7. that this rule might be 
adopted by all who live in the married state, 
and that they would love each other as their 
own flesh, then would contention, bickering 
and discord find no admittance into their so- 
ciety, and their daily exercise would be pa- 
tience, harmony and peace. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 119 

III. 

Our new Lawgiver proceeds: Again ye 
have heard that it hath been said by them of 
old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but 
shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths. Ex. 
20 : 7. But I say unto you, swear not at all ; 
neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 
nor by the earth ; for it is his footstool : neither 
by Jerusalem ; for it is the city of the great 
King : neither shalt thou swear by thy head ; 
because thou canst not make one hair white 
or black. But let your communication be, 
yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more 
than these cometh of evil. Verses 33 to 37. 

Here we see that Christ has totally and 
explicitly prohibited his followers the employ- 
ment of an oath, and has given them permis- 
sion to ratify their cause with nothing more 
than a yea, yea, or a nay, nay. 

For they ought to be children of truth, 
children of peace, children of God, wrought 
up after his image into new creatures ; for 
the spiritual likeness, which faded and was 
lost in Adam, has been restored by Christ: 
before Adam fell, when he yet lived in par- 
adise, there was no necessity for an oath ; for 
contention and discord were entirely un- 
known ; but when sin and transgression made 
their entrance and came upon all men, they 
f brought in their train strife and contention ; 
and to adjust the differences arising in con- 

d6 



120 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

sequence, God granted men permission, in 
the law, to swear a legal oath. 

But Christ has come and redeemed his 
people from their sins, and has translated 
them from the kingdom of satan through the 
blood of the everlasting testament to become 
new creatures, and has blessed them with all 
spiritual blessings in heavenly places, (Eph. 
1 : 3,) and has made them meet to be parta- 
kers of the inheritance of the saints in light, 
(Col. 1 : 12,) that they may again have access 
(by the new and living way of faith which 
entereth within the vail into the holiest of 
holies) unto the tree of life, Christ Jesus, and 
may receive of him grace for grace. John 1 : 
16. Hence contention is unknown among 
them, if they only abide in this grace ; they 
live in peace and concord with one another ; 
they cherish mutual love and unanimity, and 
do nothing out of a spirit of strife or vain 
glory; but in lowliness of mind each esteems 
the other better than himself; if any one, be- 
ing overcome by the weakness of the flesh, 
is overtaken in a fault, the others restore him 
in the spirit oi meekness. Phil. 2. Gal. 
6: 1. 

As we see on the day of pentecost : After 
they received the spirit of grace, they were all 
of one heart and one mind, united by the 
law of love and the power of the Holy Spirit, 
as one in Christ Jesus ; they had no more 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 121 

use for oaths, but transacted their business 
with yea and nay ; and he who spake not 
the truth, but said yea for nay, and nay for 
yea, did not escape with impunity, as is in- 
stanced in the case of Ananias and his wife, 
who fell down dead on the spot, because 
they had not lied unto men but unto God, 
(Acts 5,) as an awful warning unto all chris- 
tians that they may not say yea for nay, and 
nay for yea, but that their yea be yea, and 
their nay, nay ; knowing that whatsoever is 
more than these, cometh of evil. Therefore 
James says, (chap. 5 : 12,) Above all things, 
my brethren, swear not ; neither by heaven, 
neither by the earth, neither by any other 
oath : but let your yea be yea, and your nay, 
nay ; lest ye fall into temptation. 

Now, many are ready to say, that Christ 
has not forbidden a lawful oath before the 
magistrate, but only unnecessary and profane 
swearing. 

I answer first: In what way was it neces- 
sary for Christ to forbid useless and profane 
swearing, when it was so strongly prohibited 
in the law ? For it says in the third com- 
mandment, Thou shalt not take the name of 
the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will 
not hold him guiltless that taketh his name 
in vain. Ex. 20: 7. Also in Lev. 19: 12, 
it stands written, Ye shall not swear by my 
name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the 
name of thy God: I am the Lord; also 



122 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Deut. 5 : 11. And in Lev. 24th, we read that 
an individual blasphemed the name of the 
Lord and cursed, and had to be stoned to 
death. Sirach also says, 23d chapter, Ac- 
custom not thy mouth to swearing; neither 
use thyself to the naming of the Holy One. 
A man that useth much swearing, shall be 
filled with iniquity, and the plague shall nev- 
er depart from his house; if he shall offend, 
his sin shall be upon him: If he acknow- 
ledge not his sin, he maketh a double oifence: 
and if he swear in vain, he shall not be inno- 
cent, but his house shall be full of calamities. 
From this it is evident, that all unneces- 
sary and false swearing was forbidden in the 
law ; therefore Christ said, Ye have heard 
that it hath been said by them of old time, 
Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt 
perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I 
say unto you, swear not at all. If now 
Christ had approved of a legal oath before 
the magistrate, why did he not express him- 
self in this manner, Ye have heard that it 
hath been said by them of old time, &c, I 
say unto you likewise, that ye shall not 
swear an unnecessary, false, or profane oath, 
but shall perform unto the Lord your oaths ? 
But he said, I (as a new lawgiver, give you 
a new commandment) that you swear not at 
all ; but let your yea be yea, and your nay, 
nay ; for whatsoever is more than these, com- 
meth of evil. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 123 

Here thou wilt reply by bringing in the 
words of Paul, (Heb. 6: 16,) men verily 
swear by the greater: and an oath for confir- 
mation is to them an end of all strife. 

I answer, that Paul wrote this epistle to his 
brethren in the faith, and speaks in this place 
of men that were not members of the chris- 
tian church, namely the Jews and Gentiles, 
to whom an oath of confirmation was an end 
of strife ; for he does not say to his brethren 
in the faith, ye swear by the greater, and an 
oath of confirmation is to you an end of all 
strife ; but he says, men (observe this) swear 
by the greater, and an oath of confirmation 
is to them (mark) an end of all strife. This, 
therefore, is no proof that a follower of Christ 
may swear an oath; but it is his duty, in 
obedience to the command of Christ his king, 
to testify to his cause with a simple yea or 
nay, and confirm it with an upright heart 
before God and man ; and there he should 
let the matter rest 

IV. 

Christ, our lawgiver, says in continuation, 
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An 
eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (Ex. 
21 : 23, 24. Lev. 24 : 19, 20) ; but I say unto 
you, that ye resist not evil; but whosoever 
shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to 
him the other also. Verses 38, 39. 

Here Christ prescribes to his followers a 



124 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

rule of patience and peaceableness, that they 
shall not avenge themselves nor resist evil, 
but endure and overcome it in patience and 
charity ; even if a man should smite them on 
the cheek, they should not proceed according 
to the law, which calls for vengeance, an eye 
for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth ; but as 
children of the gospel, which demands peace, 
reconciliation and forgiveness, they should 
rather, in patience, turn the other cheek, than 
strive to take vengeance ; for Paul says, Be 
not overcome with evil, but overcome evil 
with good. Rom. 12: 21. 

Christ says further, If any man will sue 
at the law, and take away thy coat, let him 
have thy cloak also. 

He first commands us, that if corporal in- 
jury should be inflicted upon us, we shall not 
resist, but shall suffer and endure. Now, he 
commands us, that if any man shall go to 
law with us touching the necessaries of life, 
(for he does not speak of our abundance, 
houses, farms, and the like, but of our coat, 
which is indispensably necessary as the cov- 
ering of our bodies ; that is, if any one should 
strip us of all and sue us at the law for our 
coat or the necessaries of life) we shall not 
contend or go to law with him, but suffer and 
endure with patience, and keep not back our 
cloaks, but say with Job, The Lord gave, and 
the Lord hath taken away, (or, at least, per- 
mitted to be taken away) blessed be the name 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 125 

of the Lord. Job 1: 21. And further, we 
should take no thought for our life, what we 
shall eat, or what we shall drink ; nor yet for 
our body, what we shall put on. Is not the 
life more than meat, and the body than rai- 
ment? After all these things the Gentiles 
seek ; for our heavenly Father knoweth that 
we have need for all these things; therefore 
we ought first to seek the kingdom of God and 
his righteousness, and then all these things 
shall be added unto us. Matt 6. Luke 12. 

For if we should be in want of the neces- 
saries of life for Christ's sake, God knows how 
to provide for his saints ; he fed Israel in the 
wilderness ; Elijah by a raven (1 Kings 17. : 
6) ; the widow's barrel of meal wasted not, 
neither did the cruse of oil fail (verse 16); 
Daniel was preserved in the lion's den (Dan. 
6) ; and the three children in the fiery fur- 
nace. Dan. 3. Also the Lord knoweth how 
to deliver those who trust in him alone, out 
of temptations (2 Pet 2:9); and if they suffer 
for righteousness sake, happy are they. 1 
Pet 3 : 14. 

Reason now comes in and says, If a person 
was to do thus, he could not get through the 
world ; he would in a short time lose all he 
had ; a person cannot live so strict These 
and numerous other objections of a similar 
kind are stated. 

But whence, dear man, does this arise? 
From this, that thou remainest yet in unbe- 



126 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

lief, and knowest not the power of God ; for 
if thou hadst true faith in God, possessing 
within thee the witness that he is thy guide 
and protector, and has numbered all the hairs 
of thy head, (Matt 10 : 30,) thou wouldst in- 
trust and commit all things unto him, and 
herein follow Christ, fully convinced and 
persuaded that God will provide for thee in 
all things, so far as it shall be for the best ; 
and if he permits wicked men at times to take 
this or that from thee, he does it in order to 
prove thee whether thou art entirely free from 
these earthly things. If thou findest that it 
grieves or troubles thee, only reflect upon 
what Christ abandoned for thy sake. He 
that was rich became poor, that thou through 
his poverty mightest be rich. shouldst 
thou not then forsake some of thy temporal 
goods for his sake, if it should be the will of 
God? He had not where to lay his head 
(Luke 9 : 58) ; does it not then become thee 
to keep thy heart free from the things of time, 
as one who is a pilgrim here, (l Pet 2 : 11,) 
and who has his conversation in heaven. 
Phil. 3 : 20. It behooves thee to meditate and 
reflect upon these words of Jesus, There is 
no man that hath left house, or parents, or 
brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom 
of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold 
more in this present time, and in the world 
to come life everlasting. Luke 18:29, 30. 
Yes, my dear reader, if thou considerest 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 127 

these things aright in faith, and subjectest thy 
will unto God, then wilt thou bring into cap- 
tivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 
(2 Cor. 10 : 5,) and with Moses and Paul wilt 
esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches 
than all the treasures of the earth. Heb. 1 1 : 
26. Phil. 3: 8. 

But here it is necessary for a person to be- 
come a partaker of the benedictions in the 
introduction to this sermon on the mount, 
and be born, through the eight grades of 
blessings, a peaceable child of God, that he 
may be able to comprehend with all saints, 
what is the breadth, and length, and depth, 
and height of his boundless love, (Eph. 3 : 
18,) and the riches of his grace in Christ 
Jesus ; and all, who are made partakers of 
this, will not consider it as a burden to receive 
these christian precepts in a spirit of patience 
and obedience, and follow their head , for 
they know in themselves that they have in 
heaven a better and an enduring substance. 
Heb. 10: 34. 

how few such christians are to be found 
at this day ! How few that are not engaged 
in contention and law suits ! How few that 
do not defend their coat, to say nothing of 
giving the cloak also ! How few that follow 
Christ and observe this injunction, Of him 
that taketh away thy goods ask them not 
again. Luke 6 : 30. 



128 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

The holy and amiable apostle John says, 
Hereby we do know that we know him, if 
we keep his commandments. He that saith, 
I know him, and keepeth not his command- 
ments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily 
is the love of God perfected ; hereby we know 
that we are in him. He that saith he abideth 
in him, ought himself also so to walk, even 
as he walked. 1 John 2 : 3 to 6. 

Since the so named christians do not keep 
or do the commandments of Christ, it is an 
easy matter to prove that they do not know 
him; now, that they say they know him, 
while they do not keep his commandments, 
they speak lies and the truth is not in them. 

Moreover, because they do not keep his 
words, the love of God is not in them ; for 
this is the love of God that we keep his com- 
mandments ; and his commandments are not 
grievous. 1 John 5 : 2, 3. Therefore Christ 
also says : If ye abide in me, and my words 
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and 
it shall be done unto you. Herein is my 
Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit ; so 
shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath 
loved me, so have I loved you ; continue ye 
in my love. If ye keep my commandments, 
ye shall abide in my love ; even as I have 
kept my Father's commandments and abide 
in his love. John 15 : 7 to 10. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 129 

My worthy reader, thou canst here see that 
love consists in keeping the commandments 
of God, and all who walk not in his com- 
mandments, nor submit themselves to Christ, 
even as he was subject and obedient to his 
Father, are not in the love, neither do they 
know the love of God; though they may 
speak much and boast highly of it, yet it is 
but an imagined love which a man in a false 
light arrogates to himself to the betraying of 
his own soul. For a servant that loves his 
master from his heart, cannot be otherwise 
than obedient to him in all he commands ; 
a faithful subject who loves his king, cannot 
do otherwise than keep his commands and 
be obedient even unto death ; a child that 
sincerely loves and fears his father, cannot 
but show himself faithful and obedient; even 
so, a child of God and a disciple of Christ, 
who loves and fears God in his heart, cannot 
but exhibit himself faithful and obedient, 
keeping his commandments even unto death, 
not for the recompense of the reward but for 
this that the love of God abideth in him ; 
therefore Christ declares, Not every one that 
saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom 
of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my 
Father who is in heaven. Matt. 7 : 21. 

God, the heavenly Father, has manifested 
his will through Jesus Christ, as Christ him- 
self says : I have not spoken of myself; but 
the Father, who sent me, he gave me a com- 



130 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

mandment what I should say, and what I 
should speak. And I know that his com- 
mandment is life everlasting : whatsoever I 
speak, therefore, even as the Father said unto 
me, so I speak. John 12: 4% 50. 

Since now Christ has manifested unto us 
in his gospel the will of his Father, and has 
given his commandments which are eternal 
life to all who by grace keep and do them. 

Therefore did Moses, the first lawgiver, 
direct us from himself unto Christ, and say, 
The Lord thy God will rai^e up unto thee a 
Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy breth- 
ren, like unto me ; unto him ye shall hearken, 
(Deut. 18); And it shall come to pass, that 
every soul which will not hear that Prophet 
shall be destroyed from among the people. 
Acts. 3 : 22, 23. 

Reflect upon this, ye men, who, according 
to the Mosaic law, demand vengeance, an 
eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth ; that 
is, if a man injures you, you endeavor to re- 
taliate, if any person smites you on the cheek 
you smite him in turn, and if a man sues you 
and goes to law about a little of this world's 
goods, you are immediately willing to carry 
on the suit, and bring one another before the 
court, oftentimes more out of ill will and ha- 
tred than on account of the damage ; in such 
cases men do not look to money, though the 
cost should exceed the sum in dispute ; for 
they contend merely to gain the cause ; when 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 131 

that is done all is well, the gainer thinks he 
has done something great. 

But, dear man, who boastest thyself a chris- 
tian, where abides the doctrine of Christ ? 
where are thy imitation and obedience ? If 
thou wilt walk according to the law, why 
dost thou glory in a christian's name ? For 
if thou wast, in truth, a christian, Christ would 
be to thee an end of the law ; the vengeance 
of the law must be changed into the love of 
the gospel ; thy envy and impatience must 
be converted into meekness and forbearance, 
so that thou may est hate thy enemy no longer 
according to the law, but mayest be enabled, 
agreeably to the commandment of Christ, to 
love him, to bless them that curse thee, to do 
good to them that hate thee, and pray for 
them which despitefully use thee, and perse- 
cute thee ; and mayest evidence by thy fruits 
that thou art a child of thy Father who is in 
heaven : for he maketh his sun to rise on the 
evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the 
just, and on the unjust. Verses 43 : 44, 45. 
Now, dear man, inasmuch as thou art not 
in possession of these fruits, art yet revenge- 
ful, recompensest evil with evil, hatest thy 
enemy and triest to injure him, suest and 
goest to law, returnest force for force, and the 
like, which Christ has expressly forbidden in 
his gospel, and wo be to them that obey not 
the gospel of our Lord Jesus ; for they shall 
be punished with everlasting destruction from 



132 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

the presence of the Lord, and from the glory 
of his power. 1 Thess. 1 : 8, 9. 

Learn from this, that as long as thou, in 
accordance with the law, takest revenge upon 
thy enemy or adversary, and renderest evil 
for evil, thou art no christian. Thou mayest 
be a christian in the eyes of the world, but 
not in the sight of God ; for thou hast not the 
disposition of Christ, thou hast not the mind 
that was in Christ, (Phil. 2 : 5,) thou obeyest 
not his doctrine ; and whosoever transgres- 
seth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, 
hath not God. 2 John, verse 9. Bat if thou 
wilt console thyself with Moses, appealing to 
him, like the pharisees, that he permitted and 
approved such things, then will be applicable 
to you what Christ said to the pharisees, Do 
not think that I will accuse you to the Fath- 
er; there is one that accuseth you, even 
Moses, in whom ye trust; for had ye believed 
Moses, ye would have believed me ; for he 
wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writ- 
ings, how shall ye believe my words ? John 
5. Gen. 3: 15, and 22: 18, and 49: 10. For 
Moses said, A prophet will the Lord raise up 
unto you like unto me, him shall ye hear. 
Now how is it possible for you to exculpate 
yourselves by appealing to Moses, who refers 
you so faithfully to Christ, the perfect law- 
giver, that ye shall hear him ? 

miserable men, who boast yourselves 
christians, and receive neither the counsel of 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 133 

Moses nor the word of Christ, what will be 
your end and eternal destiny! Think ye 
that his word is but a fable and an indiffer- 
ent history ? Ah no, no. Ye will find it quite 
different when it shall stand as your judge. 
For though you may have prophesied, cast 
out devils, and done many mighty wonders 
in his name, yet he will not know you. For 
those only, who hear and do these sayings, 
are the wise men who have built upon the 
rock, against which the gates of hell shall 
not prevail. Matt. 16 : 18. Those only, 
who abide in the doctrine of Christ, have 
both the Father and the Son. 2 John, verse 
9. With those only who love Christ and 
keep his word, will the eternal Divinity make 
his abode. John 14: 23. 

Therefore, dear man, contend no longer 
with thy God, for he is a consuming fire, and 
it is a fearful thing to fall into his hands. 
Behold, against him thou canst accomplish 
nothing ; therefore humble thyself before 
him ; lay down thy weapons, and take hold 
of the sceptre of his mercy, and follow Christ 
in all that he commandeth thee, and thou 
shalt live, and live forever through Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 

V. 

Now some will grant that brethren of the 
same persuasion ought not to go to law with 
one another, inasmuch as Paul reproved the 



134 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

church at Corinth sharply for this very thing, 
saying, Now there is utterly a fault among 
you, because ye go to law one with another : 
why do ye not rather take wrong ? Why do 
ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defraud- 
ed? Nay, you do wrong, and defraud, and 
that your brethren. 1 Cor. But they, nev- 
ertheless, think they are at liberty to go to 
law with those who do not belong to their 
denomination. 

But I wish that all such persons might re- 
ceive instructions from Christ, and hear his 
doctrine ; they would then x in a short time 
perceive their mistake. For Christ says, If 
ye love those who love you, what reward 
have ye ? Do not even the publicans the 
same? And if you salute your brethren 
only, what do ye more than others? Do not 
even the publicans so ? Be ye therefore per- 
fect, even as your Father who is in heaven is 
perfect. Verses 46, 47, 48. 

Behold, dear man, we ought to be perfect, 
even as our Father who is in heaven is per- 
fect. That is, we ought in this life to exer- 
cise meekness and patience towards all men, 
even as the Father makes his sun to rise 
upon the evil and on the good, and sends 
his rain on the just and on the uujust, and is 
long suffering towards them, even when they 
offend him and despise his laws ; that we 
also ought to be perfect and do good to all 
men, not only to our brethren or those who 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 135 

love us, but to our enemies who injure and 
wrong us, that they may see our good works 
and glorify our Father who is in heaven. 
Matt. 5: 16. 

But this is a hard saying, who can hear 
it? John 6: 60. 

VI. 

None but those who are dead to them- 
selves and to the world; whose old man is 
crucified with Christ, (Rom. 6 : 1,) and who 
are dead to the law by the body of Christ, 
(Rom. 7 : 4) that they might bring forth fruit 
unto God through the love shed abroad in 
their hearts by the Holy Ghost, by which 
they are bound and united unto God ; for 
God is love, and he that dwelleth in love 
dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4 : 
1!) ; and this love is the fulfilling of the law. 
Rom. 13: 10. For it knows no revenge, no 
retaliation of injuries, but is patient and 
peaceable, mild and merciful ; yea, this love 
or charity is long suffering and kind to friends 
and enemies ; charity envieth not with a 
gross natural envy, for it subdues this and 
renders a man's disposition mild and pacific; 
charity vaunteth not, is not puffed up, does 
not conduct with a carnal and arrogant mind 
towards those who have fallen into error, 
does not behave unseemly towards them, she 
seeketh not her own advantage, but that of 
others, and is concerned for her neighbor's 
welfare as much as for her own ; she is not 



136 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

easily provoked by those who do not the 
same to her; thinketh no evil on that account, 
yet rejoiceth not in such iniquity, nay she is 
sorry for it and sendeth her complaint to God 
(Matt. 18: 31); but she rejoiceth in the truth. 
her greatest pleasure is when she meeteth 
this ; she beareth everything, knowing that 
it comes from beloved hands ; she believeth 
all things, therefore all things serve for the 
best ; she hopeth to obtain all things that are 
prepared for her in heaven, therefore she en- 
dureth in patience all that befalleth her here 
in this life. 1 Cor. 13. Love is not decep- 
tive, is without dissimulation, without hy- 
pocrisy, and opposed to evil, abhors that 
which is bad, avoids that which is evil, but 
cleaves to that which is good, as being the 
spirit of life and of power. Rom. 12: 9. 
The men who possess this love, are those to 
whom the yoke of Christ is easy and his bur- 
den light; such persons can say, his com- 
mandments are not grievous. 1 John 5 : 3. 
that all men possessed this love ! then 
the lawyer and the judge, the king and the 
magistrate would be needed no more, but 
Christ would be all in all. 

1. Jesus, thou eternal Lord ! 
Thy doctrine saves us here. 

But where's the man believes thy word, 
And lends a willing ear ? 

2. very, very few we find, 
That in obedience are, 

The world and gold employ their mind, 
And form their serious care. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 137 

3. Men go to law for goods below, 
As if they here could stay. 
Though surely every one must know, 
How soon he must away. 

4. What help will then the world afford ? 
What solace then supply ? 

None, none but Jesus Christ, the Lord, 
Can give us life on high. 

5. Therefore, ye men, both low and high, 
Yourselves to Jesus give, 

This doctrine follow, and oh, try 
Unto his will to live. 

6. Deny yourselves, have minds of peace, 
Like Christ, without alloy. 

That satan's power may quickly cease, 
And not your souls destroy. 

7. Stronger far than death, is love, 
No water makes it cold. 

He who has it, has God above, 
Who will him firm uphold. 

8. Thou ornament of saints, love, 
In thee their soul is clad, 

Thou dost her pure affections move, 
With Christ the Lord to wed. 

9. As faithful bride she does agree, 
In his commands to live, 

And hence in vast eternity 
The crown of life he'll give. 

blessed Jesus, instructor and head of thy 
church, the Alpha and Omega, the author 
and finisher of our faith, the fulfilment of the 
law, priest, mediator, and advocate of our 
souls, thou who wast constrained, by thy 
great mercy and deep compassion, to take 
upon thee the form of a servant, so that thou 
hast assumed our weakness, and become our 
instructor, forerunner, way, and truth, and 



138 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

hast left us an example, that we should fol- 
low thy steps : but we as sinful, earthly and 
impure vessels, are by nature entirely inca- 
pable of knowing thee in thy divine attri- 
butes, and of apprehending thy blessed doc- 
trine. For we are by nature carnal^ but thy 
words are spiritual, in which is concealed 
thy spiritual life, the divine way wherein 
thou walkedst, thy spiritual light and hidden 
manna. Jesus ! who are the men that can 
teach us this spiritual way, unless thou goest 
with us to the work, openest our blind eyes, 
grantest hearing and speech to us deaf and 
dumb creatures, that we may be able to see, 
hear and speak in a spiritual manner, and en- 
ter through the gates of death into life, and 
live in thee, as thou livest in the Father, that 
we may in thee and thou in us, as thou in 
the Father and the Father in thee, enjoy the 
perfect fellowship of the Holy Spirit, 
Jesus, grant us a portion of this grace, that 
our hearts may be inflamed with thy love ; 
destroy in us all envy and bitterness, so that 
we may, through this charity, love our ene- 
mies, do good to them that hate us and 
persecute us, pray for them that injure us, 
bless those that curse us, that we may be 
perfect in thee, and walk even as thou hast 
walked ; for thy walk was according to the 
will of thy Father, and thy meat was to do 
his will ; thy doctrine and obedienee, cruci- 
fixion and death, resurrection and ascension, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 139 

were for our sakes : so likewise, Jesus, 
ought our walk to be according to thy wilL, 
and our meat should be to do thy will ; and 
our obedience, cross and temptation, yea our 
justification and everlasting redemption are 
for thy sake, that we may honor thee, Jesus, 
even as we honor the Father. Amen, my 
soul. For what should separate thee from 
the love thou hast tasted in Jesus ; if he is 
thy head and bridegroom, and has given thee 
the token of his love, preserve it till he comes. 
Amen, Lord Jesus, come quickly. 



CHAPTER FOURTH 

Embraces a part of the 6th chapter, from the 1st to the 4th 
verse, and treats of the manner in which alms should be 
given. 

Beloved reader, the Lord Jesus has shown 
us, in the commencement of his sermon, the 
beginning of, and introduction to a christian 
life : he has disclosed to us the fact that it is 
necessary for us, in humility of spirit and 
godly sorrow, to die to the world and our 
own selves, and to advance through real 
hunger and thirst after the righteousness of 
Christ from one degree to another, till finally 
we be filled with all the fulness of God ; and 
this superabundant grace can then bring 
forth and produce nothing but the blessed 
fruits of righteousness, namely faith, hope, 
love, patience, true obedience and a godly 
conversation in the world, that we may shine 
as lights in the midst of an adulterous and 
perverse generation, holding forth at the same 
time the word of eternal life. Phil. 2 : 15, 
16. 

For to all, who come to the life of a real 
christian, the law is made gospel, that is, re- 
venge is changed into love ; rigor into lenity 
and compassion ; the joy and delight of the 
world, into heavenly joy and godly pleasure , 
for their treasure is not on earth but in heav- 
en; there is their privilege of citizenship; 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 141 

their conversation, their building of God (2 
Cor. 5 : l) ; their whole fellowship is with 
the faithful on earth and with the saints in 
heaven (Heb, 12: 22, 23. Gal. 4 : 26); their 
looking up is unto Jesus the author and fin- 
isher of their faith (Heb. 12 : 2) ; he is their 
head, and they his members (Rom. 12. 1 
Cor. 12. Eph. 1 : 22, 23); hence they follow 
their head and shepherd ; (John 10) they are 
moved and bent by his will, the Head watches 
over the members and points out to them the 
way in which they cannot err, (Is. 30 : 20, 
21. 35 : 8, 9) provided they abide in grace, 
as members of the body, the body being de- 
pendent on the head, or as members of the 
church, the church being dependent on 
Christ 5 for without him they can do nothing 
(John 15), but if they abide in him as the 
branch in the vine, they shall bring forth 
much fruit, and their fruit shall endure unto 
eternal life. 

For as much as Christ, the true Head of 
all believers, was well aware that we bear 
about the flesh of sin and corruption, whose 
inclination is very earthly, withdrawing us 
from his grace, and thereby exposing us to 
many dangers, he declared unto us, Watch, 
and what I say unto you I say unto all, 
Watch (Mark 1 3) ; he has moreover in his 
divine discourse given us a rule by which 
we should regulate our conduct in the giving 
of alms, and prove whether it is done through 



142 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

grace and charity to the honor of God or not 
Therefore ye faithful on earth, who bear the 
burden of Christ, let us once more come be- 
fore this mirror of divine doctrine, and view 
ourselves, and see whether our almsgiving is 
pure and sincere in his sight, whether it is 
done in the manner in which our Head and 
King recommends, or whether we may not 
be among the number of those who have 
their reward. 

For he says, Take heed (that is, observe 
well and consider) that ye do not your alms 
before men, to be seen of them ; otherwise 
ye have no reward of your Father which is 
in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine 
alms, do not sound a trumpet before them as 
the hypocrites do in the synagogues, and in 
the streets, that they may have glory of men. 
Verily I say unto you, they have their re- 
ward. But when thou doest thy alms, let 
not thy left hand know what thy right hand 
doeth ; that thine alms may be in secret : and 
thy Father who seeth in secret, himself shall 
reward thee openly. Matt. 6 : 1 to 4. 

Here we learn that we ought to be affected 
with a spirit of humility and liberality to- 
wards our poor neighbor in seasons of want 
and embarrassment, and should assist him, 
imparting to his necessity with a liberal 
hand : as Paul tells us, To do good and to 
communicate forget not : for with such sac- 
rifices God is well pleased. Heb. 13: 16. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 143 

Again he says to Timothy, Charge them that 
are rich in this world, that they be not high 
minded nor trust in uncertain riches, but in 
the living God who giveth us richly all 
things to enjoy ; that they do good, that they 
be rich in good works, ready to distribute, 
willing to communicate ; laying up in store 
for themselves a good foundation against the 
time to come, that they may lay hold on 
eternal life. 1 Tim. 6. 

But this must be done in true humility 
and willingness of mind, as we know a 
man's life does not consist in the abundance 
of the things which he possesses (Luke 12: 
15) ; for he who soweth sparingly shall reap 
sparingly ; and he who soweth bountifully, 
shall reap also bountifully ; every man ac- 
cording as he purposeth in his heart ; not 
grudgingly, or of necessity : for God loveth a 
cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9 : 6, 7. Sir. 35: 11, 
12. 

We should always keep in view that the 
earth is the Lord's and the things therein (1 
Cor. 10 : 26) and that he has bestowed upon 
us the good things of this life for the use of 
ourselves and others. Therefore we should 
distribute, not as if they were our own gifts, 
but the Lord's, who first gave them to us, 
that we should manage and truly husband 
them, as Christ said of the unjust steward 
when about to be removed from his office ; 
he said within himself, I am resolved what 



144 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

to do, that, when I am put out of the stew- 
ardship, they may receive me into their 
houses. So he called every one of his lord's 
debtors unto him and said unto the first, 
How much owest thou unto my lord ? He 
said, A hundred measures of oil. And he 
said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down 
quickly and write fifty. (And the rest.) And 
the lord commended the unjust steward, be- 
cause he had done wisely. Now, let every 
one take this steward for an example ; for 
Christ tells us, And I say unto you, make to 
yourselves friends of the mammon of un- 
righteousness ; that when ye fail, they may 
receive you into everlasting habitations. 
Luke 16. 

If we wish rightly to understand this par- 
able, we must consider God as the rich man, 
and ourselves as the stewards ; for the earth 
is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, and he 
imparts unto every man according to his will ; 
we should therefore manage faithfully, for he 
that is faithful in that which is least, is faith- 
ful also in much , and he that is unjust in 
the least, is unjust also in much ; if, there- 
fore, we are not faithful in the unrighteous 
mammon, who will commit to our trust the 
true riches ? (Verse 1 1.) As now the stew- 
ard acted towards his lord's debtors, that 
they might, if he failed, receive him into 
their houses, so should we, who are appoint- 
ed by God to be stewards of the good things 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 145 

of this life, act towards our poor and afflicted 
brethren. He bestowed, not upon his own 
creditors his own money or goods, but his 
lord's. So, when we give, bestow, or com- 
municate something, we ought not to think 
that we give it of our own, but of the Lord's ; 
for in a strict sense we cannot appropriate to 
ourselves any more than what is necessary to 
supply our daily wants; all the rest is the 
property of others: for we brought nothing 
into this world, and it is certain we can car- 
ry nothing out. 1 Tim. 6 : 7. The steward 
did not think it hard to distribute his lord's 
goods: so we also, when we consider that 
we do not possess our own but our Lord's 
goods, will not take it hard to distribute them 
to poor people in distress, especially to the 
faithful in Christ. He did it that, if he would 
have to fail, they might receive him into 
their houses : we ought likewise to make to 
ourselves friends of (or by) this mammon, 
that they may receive us into everlasting 
habitations, through the instrumentality of 
their prayers and thanksgivings, as Paul clear- 
ly explains it, Cor. 9th chapter 12, 13, 14 
verses. 

Therefore Tobit said to his son, Give alms 
of thy substance ; and when thou givest 
alms, let not thine eye be envious, neither 
turn thy face from any poor, and the face of 
God shall not be turned away from thee. If 



146 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

thou hast abundance, give alms accordingly ; 
if thou hast but little, be not afraid to give ac- 
cording to that little: for thou layest up a 
good treasure for thyself against the day of 
necessity. Because that alms do deliver 
from death, and suffer not to come into dark- 
ness. For alms is a good gift unto all that 
give it in the sight of the Most High. Tobit 
4: 7 to 12. Sirach says, Lose thy money 
for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not 
rust under a stone to be lost. Lay up thy 
treasure according to the commandments of 
the Most High and it shall bring thee more 
profit than gold. Eccl. 29: 10, 11. Paul 
also says, As we have opportunity, let us do 
good unto all men, especially unto them who 
are of the household of faith. Gal. 6 : 10. 

From this it is evident that it is enjoined 
upon us as a duty to show mercy to all men 
in distress ; for mercy rejoiceth against judg- 
ment, (James 2 : 13,) especially to those who 
believe in Christ, for what we do unto the 
least of those who believe in Christ, the same 
we do unto him. Matt. 25 : 40. 

The steward was commended by his lord 
because he had done wisely : so will Christ 
our Lord cotnmend all those who have dealt 
thus with his servants and disciples, and will 
,say, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit 
the kingdom prepared for you from the foun- 
dation of the world: for I was a hungered 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 147 

and ye gave me meat ; I was thirsty and ye 
gave me drink ; I was a stranger and ye took 
me in, &c. Matt 25. 

Therefore I repeat it that we ought to make 
use of the property, which by the law of man 
belongs unto us, but by the law of God 
belongs unto the Lord, in the manner above 
explained ; for if, when we give alms, we 
pride ourselves in it, we have our reward : 
for in this as well as in other things we 
should say, We are unprofitable servants, we 
have done that which was our duty to do ; 
Luke 17: 10. Learn from this that thou 
must die in humility to the world and thy 
own self, and must live by love unto God, 
before thou art able to use the world as not 
abusing it, and enjoy the world as though 
thou didst not possess it, 1 Cor. 7: 30 31. 
For if we do not give our alms through this 
acknowledgment and a divine charity as 
gifts of the Lord, but give them as our own, 
that we may be seen of men, and are puffed 
up, then our left hand knows what the right 
hand is doing, and we have our reward. 

But if we distribute them as the goods of 
the Lord and not as our own property, the 
left hand does not know what the right hand 
is doing, that is, our carnal mind will be re- 
strained by the internal spiritual mind, and 
by the true hand of faith from arrogating any- 
thing to itself. Therefore the righteous will 
answer and say, Lord when did we do this 

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148 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

and that thing unto thee ? Then he will re- 
ply, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one 
of the least of these my brethren, ye have 
done it unto me. Matt. 25: 40. 

God ! grant us bountiful hearts, as thou 
thyself art bountiful, giving us seed to sow 
and bread to eat, that we may give willingly 
and render assistance to all necessitous and 
afflicted men, that we may lay up a treasure 
for the time to come and may glorify thee in 
all thy benefactions, through Jesus Christ, 
now and forever, Amen. 

blessed God of heaven, 
Thou who so bounteously, 
In world of sorrow even 
Support/st us graciously ; 

And hast richly given 

As needed has our case, 

What serves us while we're living 

Here in the time of grace. 

In this we do confess thee, 
Thy gifts we look upon, 
And saying, Father, bless thee, 
Through Jesus Christ thy Son. 

Such hearts, do but give us, 
That willingly may grant 
To those in need so grievous, 
When known they make their want. 

Before thee, God of heaven, 
In calm humility; 
For all is thine, yea, even 
All mortal eye can see. 

House, land, and every blessing, 
All free from thee descend, 
That we, in times distressing, 
Our brethren may befriend. 

Amen. 



CHAPTER FIFTH. 

Embraces a portion from the 5th verse to the 15th. 1. An 
address to the reader. 2. Of the prayer of the old and new 
pharisees. 3. Whose prayer is acceptable to God. 4. Treats 
of the Lord's prayer. (1. Who can pray to the Father as 
Father. 2. In whom the name of God is glorified. 3. Who 
can pray for the kingdom of God. 4. Who can say in truth, 
Lord, thy will be done.) 5. Who are qualified to pray Give 
us our daily bread. 6. Who pray in truth, Forgive us our 
debts. 7. Who may answer God, As we have forgiven our 
debtors. 8. Who in truth can pray, Lead us not into temp- 
tation. 9. And who desire from their hearts to be delivered 
from evil. 



Gentle and inquiring reader ! If thou hast 
proved, in the perusal of this treatise, that 
thou art such a christian, or at least willing 
to become such a one as is described in the 
four preceding chapters, then go on to 
cleanse thyself from all the filthiness of the 
flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness, in the 
fear of God. 2 Cor. 7 : 1. 

For Christ ever gives us signs and admo- 
nitions by which we should compare our 
condition and examine whether we are in 
true grace or not; for a man can receive 
grace of God by which his heart shall be, in 
part, changed, and his life and conversation 
ameliorated. But if he is not completely 
subjected to this grace, so that it can work in 

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150 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

him according to the good pleasure of God, 
he remains stationary, yea, not stationary, 
but begins to retrograde and fails of the grace 
of God ; from which a bitter root springs up, 
and causes great trouble, so that by it many 
are defiled. Heb. 12: 15. 

For a Demas can again love this present 
world, (2 Tim. 4: 10,) Hymeneus and Alex- 
ander made shipwreck concerning the faith, 
and learned to blaspheme, (1 Tim. 1 : 19,20. 
Chap. 6: 10); Phygellus and Hermogenes 
turned away from Paul (2 Tim. 1: 15); 
some among the Corinthians denied the re- 
surrection of the dead, (l Cor. 15: 12,) and 
the Galatians, having begun in the spirit, de- 
sired to be perfected by the flesh, (Gal. 3) ; 
the Hebrews, who for the time ought to have 
been teachers, had need for some one to teach 
them again the first principles of the oracles 
of God (Chap. 5: 12); the church at Ephe- 
sus left her first love, (Rev. 2 : 4) ; the church 
of the Loadiceans became rich and increased 
with goods, supposed she had need of noth- 
ing, and knew not that she was wretched 
and miserable, and poor, and blind, and 
naked. Rev. 3: 17. 

Many examples of a similar kind could be 
adduced, tending to show, that it is of the 
highest importance for men, constantly to 
watch and pray; and this in spirit and in 
truth, for God is a spirit, and seeketh such 
worshippers as worship him in spirit and in 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 151 

truth, (John 4: 23, 24); for all prayers are 
not offered up aright ; the heart must harmon- 
ize with the prayer; we must desire from our 
heart what we pray for, or our prayer is not 
rightly offered up; and whatsoever God de- 
clares unto us by his word and Spirit, the 
same we must do willingly, or our prayer 
will be of no avail : For many pray with the 
mouth for what the heart does not desire; to 
them maybe applied the words of the prophet 
and of Christ, This people draweth nigh un- 
to me with their mouth, and honoreth me 
with their lips ; but their heart is far from 
me. Is. 29: 13. Matt. 15: 8. what 
mockery! for a man to draw nigh to God 
with his mouth when his heart is far from 
him ! Ah reader, be not deceived ; God is 
not mocked : he searcheth thy heart ; he tri- 
eth thy heart; he demandeth thy heart: for 
it reads, My son, give me thy heart, and let 
thine eyes observe my ways, Proverbs 23 : 26. 
David says, The sacrifices of God are a 
broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, 
God, thou wilt not despise. Ps. 51 : 19. 
Also, The Lord is nigh unto them that are 
of a broken heart ; and saveth such as be of 
a contrite spirit, (Ps. 34: 18); He looketh to 
him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and 
irembleth at his word. Is. 66: 2. Behold, 
reader, such hearts are qualified to pray; 
therefore examine well whether thine is thus 
disposed, whether thy sighs proceed from the 

e4 



152 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

depth of thy soul, and whether thy spirit 
longs incessantly after grace. For the true 
longing of heart after grace is the unremitting 
prayer, which cries day and night to God, 
which does not at all times break forth in 
words, but in thoughts and groans ; and if at 
times in words, the words accord with the 
emotions of the heart ; and this is to worship 
God in spirit and in truth. 

Now, if a person does not pray in this 
manner, but, from practice, makes this or that 
form of prayer, or learns fine and spiritual 
prayers out of books, and prates them with 
the mouth without the accordance of the 
heart : to such the Lord declares, When ye 
come to appear before me, who hath requir- 
ed this at your hand, to tr 4 ead my courts? 
Bring no more vain oblations : incense is an 
abomination unto me : the new moons and 
sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot 
away with. Isaiah 1: 12, 13. 

II. 

Christ, therefore, in this blessed discourse, 
charges believers to take heed saying, When 
thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypo- 
crites are; for they love to pray standing in 
the synagogues, and in the corners of the 
streets, that they may be seen of men. Ver- 
ily I say unto you, they have their reward. 
Verse 5. 

This was the practice among the apostate 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 153 

Jews as regards the scribes and pharisees; 
and it is now the practice among the apos- 
tate Christians and the new scribes and phar- 
isees, who not born of God have planned and 
adopted a system of faith adjusted in fit 
proportions to the will of the flesh, so that 
their godliness is mere gain or profession. 1 
Tim. 6 : 5. 

For as the former did all their works to be 
seen of men, so do the latter ; and as they 
made broad their phylacteries, and enlarged 
the borders of their garments, so do these ; 
the former loved greetings in the markets, 
and to be called of men, Rabbi, the same ob- 
tains with the latter; and as the former de- 
voured widow's houses, and for a pretence 
made long prayers, therefor receiving greater 
damnation, so also the latter. For these new 
and high learned pharisees can scarcely do 
anything gratis but must have high salaries^ 
preach for filthy lucre's sake, drawing after 
them men having itching ears ; they also de- 
vour the houses of the poor and of widows, 
they strain at a gnat and swallow a camel, 
(Matt. 23) ; as the Lord says by the mouth of 
the prophet Micah, Chap. 3 : 5. They bite 
with their teeth and cry Peace ; and he that 
putteth not into their mouths, they even pr: - 
pare war against him. 

This is shown by the fruit; for if one of 
their hearers, perhaps from indigence or pov- 
erty, does not pay his stipends, he will soon 

e5 



154 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

be despised and rejected ; they prepare war 
and calamity for him. But those who im- 
part to them liberally, salute them kindly, 
style them Rabbi and Doctors of Divinity, 
will be commended as pious christians, even 
if they live in pride, drunkenness, lies and 
deceit, and the like abominable practices, yet 
they shall be happy. These are they who 
do not seek the sheep or the souls, but the 
wool, or their money; they serve not the 
Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly ; and 
by good words and fair speeches deceive the 
hearts of the simple. Rom. 16: 18. Phil. 
3 : 19. For such are false apostles, deceitful 
workers, transforming themselves into the 
apostles of Christ. And no marvel ; for Sa- 
tan himself is transformed into an angel of 
light. Therefore it is no great thing if his 
ministers also be transformed as the minis- 
ters of righteousness ; whose end shall be ac- 
cording to their works, 2 Cor. 11 : 13, 14, 15. 
Christ says to his disciples, Freely ye have 
received, freely give. Matt. 10: 8. But 
these men have not received freely from God, 
but have by the aid of money acquired their 
power from men, in the seminaries of learn- 
ing, in the same manner that lawyers gain 
the knowledge of jurisprudence; therefore 
they cannot give freely, but must have high 
pay for their preaching. Now a person 
might well say to the people, Wherefore do 
ye spend money for that which is not bread 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 155 

(or right instruction,) and your labor for that 
which satisfieth not ? 0, come to Jesus, and 
buy wine and milk without money and with- 
out price, (Is. 55,) that your souls may live. 

But as the hardened Jews, at the time of 
Christ, always considered the scribes as the 
true teachers, and for this reason would not 
receive the Lord Jesus, the true teacher, but 
cried out, Crucify him ! crucify him ! so the 
bewitched and hardened christians who know 
not the mystery of God, are ever of the opin- 
ion that those who have studied the scrip- 
tures in the theological seminaries must 
surely be the true teachers, though it is nothing 
but human wisdom which has enlightened 
their minds while the heart remains unchang- 
ed. Hence it is mere foolishness in the sight 
of God, for Paul says, Where is the wise ? 
where is the scribe ? where is the disputer of 
this world ? hath God not made foolish the 
wisdom of this world ? Yea not many wise 
men after the flesh, not many mighty, not 
many noble, are called. But God hath chosen 
the foolish things of the world to confound 
the wise; and God hath chosen the weak 
things of the world to confound the things 
which are mighty; and base things of the 
world, and things which are despised, hath 
God chosen, yea and things which are not, 
to bring to nought things that are ; that no 
flesh should glory in his presence, 1 Cor. 1. 

Therefore, Christ chose for his apostles 

e6 



156 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

poor fishermen who were unlearned, and of 
the laity, and had no need to receive instruc- 
tion in schools of science ; for the spirit of 
God was their teacher, and gave them what 
they should speak, as the Lord had promised. 
Matt. 10: 19,20. Mark 13: 11. Johnl4: 26. 

But these men must study from their youth 
up and learn how and what they shall speak, 
as a mechanic must first learn of another 
and fix in his mind how this and that thing 
is to be done, before he becomes master of 
his trade. The same course is pursued by 
these teachers ; hence their godliness is but 
gain. 1 Tim. 6 : 5. 

Paul says*, not that we are sufficient of 
ourselves to think anything as of ourselves ; 
but our sufficiency is of God ; who also hath 
made us able ministers of the new testa- 
ment ; not of the letter but of the spirit. 2 
Cor. 3 : 5, 6. Perhaps some one will say, 
Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. 
Undoubtedly ; but as long as Paul depended 
upon his own learning, he remained blind 
and ignorant in spiritual things, so much so 
that he persecuted the church of God. But 
as soon as he was enlightened by Christ and 
instructed by the Holy Spirit, he counted all 
his former erudition as loss for the excellency 
of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. 
Phil. 3. Therefore, he says in one place, I 
certify you, brethren, that the gospel preach- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 157 

ed of me is not of man. For I neither re- 
ceived it of man, neither was I taught it, 
(mark) but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, 
Gal. 1: 11, 12. 

Learn from this that the gospel of Jesus 
Christ is not the erudition of man, but the 
power of God unto salvation to every one 
that believeth, (Rom. 1: 16,) and that this 
power of God is not to be obtained in high 
schools of literature from any man depending 
upon his natural reason, but from God, in 
poorness of spirit, and in the humble school 
of Christ through regeneration and the reno- 
vating efficacy of the Holy Spirit Matt. 11. 

Similarly circumstanced is the prayer 
which a person commits to memory and ut- 
ters with his lips independent of any feeling 
or concurrent emotion of the soul ; it is alto- 
gether impure and an abomination unto the 
Lord ; for to the defiled is nothing pure, they 
are unto every good work reprobate. Tit 1 : 
15, 16. Therefore Paul says, We know not 
what we should pray for as we ought ; but the 
Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with 
groanings which cannot be uttered. And he 
that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is 
the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh in- 
tercession for the saints according to the will 
of God. Rom. 8 : 26, 27. 

This mode of praying was not adopted by 
the pharisees ; they composed their prayers 



158 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

in a style of great elegance, so as to be seen 
of men ; therefore they received the greater 
damnation. Matt. 25: 14. 

And in this pharisaic manner many thou- 
sands pray at the present time, that they may 
be seen of men, and think they are doing 
God service, when, at the same time they 
have their reward. Yea, even among those 
who are in part enlightened, and who pray, 
not entirely from external abilities, but from 
internal knowledge and experience, there are 
persons who frequently become elevated in 
their prayers, and express themselves in ele- 
gant terms before men, merely that they 
may be seen of them, as the experience of 
every one will too strongly inform him. 0, 
there is great danger that the spirit of satan 
will exhibit himself in everything, and ele- 
vate a person into the high and airy regions 
of fancy, yea, set him on a pinnacle of the 
temple, and cast him down from thence, but 
in a manner not to excite any apprehensions 
of danger, as though God had given his an- 
gels charge to bear us up in their hands. 
Matt. 4. 0, it is greatly to be feared that 
many enlightened and partially converted 
men are, in consequence of the lofty conceit 
in their preaching, praying, singing and pious 
exercises, cast down to hell, and, like the 
foolish virgins, are not aware of it till it is 
too late. Matt 25. Therefore Christ has 
truly admonished us, that we take heed ; that 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 159 

we seek no honor from men in our alms, 
praying and exercises, but always, as in the 
divine presence, walk, act and speak in God ; 
as Paul says, We are not as many, who cor- 
rupt the word of God : but as of sincerity, 
but as of God, in the sight of God speak we 
in Christ 2 Cor. 2: 17. 

III. 

Benign and inquiring reader ! scan thyself 
well, be thou a teacher or one of the common 
people, and examine in all thy religious ex- 
ercises whether thy entire worship is per- 
formed for the Lord's sake, and whether thou 
art impelled by the Spirit and power of love 
to the performance of all thy services for the 
glory of God ; whether thy own honor and 
advantage are not the motives which influ- 
ence thee ; or whether thy worship is not 
merely an external adopted plan or model of 
religion, as is the case, it is to be feared, with 
numbers at the present day. Is it the case 
with thee ? If so, consider that God will not 
be recompensed with words or works, but he 
will have an humble and a contrite heart, and 
a resigned will wherein himself will work by 
the power of his Spirit, that the praise may 
not be of ourselves, but from God ; for he is 
zealous for his glory, and his praise he will 
not give to graven images, (Isaiah 42 : 8. Is. 
48 : 11) inasmuch as it is he that worketh in 
us both to will and to do of his good pleasure 



160 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

(Phil. 2: 13); not of our own good pleasure, 
for we know not his ways, but of his good 
pleasure, that we may learn to know his ways, 
so that he may take pleasure and be glorified 
in us to his praise. 

Therefore, Christ continues, But thou, 
when thou pray est, enter into thy closet, and, 
when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy 
Father who is in secret, and thy Father, who 
seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 
Verse 6. 

This is the rule for all sincere worship- 
pers, who worship God not merely with the 
lips, but in spirit and in truth ; who turn into 
the closet of their heart, and, having barred 
it against the world and all vain and airy 
imaginations, open their minds unto God in 
the Spirit, who sees the secrets of the heart 
and knows our inmost desires ; for he is not 
a God afar off, but a god who is near at hand 
(Is. 55)] he knows what we need before we 
ask him ; he has regard to the desires of our 
souls, and not to the multiplicity of words ; 
he looks upon a broken and a contrite heart, 
an offering in which the Lord is well pleas- 
ed. Ps. 51: 19. Therefore it behooves us, 
above all things, at time of prayer, whether 
in weakness or necessity, whether in public 
or private, to collect our thoughts and com- 
mit ourselves entirely unto God and his gui- 
dance, without feeling anxious how or in 
what words we shall pray; then will the 



THE ILLUSTRATING- MIRROR. 161 

Spirit of God help our infirmities and make 
intercession for us, according to the will of 
God, with groanings that cannot be uttered. 
Rom. 8. And, if our prayer will not at all 
times flow with like power, we must preserve 
patience, bow ourselves down to his will, 
and commit all to his pleasure, knowing that 
every good gift cometh from above. James 
1 : 17. For God giveth and taketh away, he 
leadeth in and bringeth out, (John 10) and 
for the sole purpose of divesting us entirely 
of self ; and the more completely we are di- 
vested of self, the more abundantly will our 
souls find pasture; the more perfectly we 
are lost to ourselves, that is, dead to our own 
ability, the more abundant power we shall 
find in God. Of this I have had hitherto 
very frequent experience ; and it is my de- 
sire to walk in self-denial, and live a life well 
pleasing in the sight of the Lord, that God 
alone may be all in me, and I all in him. 
For in God I find everything, and out of 
God I find nothing : in God I find peace and 
pleasure, when without there is trouble ; out 
of God I find disquietude and intranquillity 
when external appearance is fine and beau- 
tiful. And should I not be subject unto this 
blessed God of love and consolation, who 
knows my necessity and at the same time 
provides for me and supplies my wants ? f 
wonderful God of love ! when thine are in 
distress thou consolest them as a compassion- 



162 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

ate mother ; but if they obey not thy call 
and forget their duty, thou chastisest them as 
an earnest and affectionate father, that in 
consequence of thy chastisement they may 
become faithful children, and make white 
their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Be- 
hold, reader, this is the proper mode of prayer 
for believers who do not use vain repetitions, 
as the heathen, but commit themselves in 
the Spirit to the Spirit of God, who enables 
them to pray above all they know or think, 
according to the power that worketh in them. 
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ 
Jesus, throughout all ages, world without 
end. Amen. Eph. 3:20, 21. 

IV. 

Now, my reader, Christ in continuation 
gives to his disciples, or believers, a short 
form of prayer, in which is contained the 
complete outline of true and evangelic prayer. 
For he says, first, we should pray, 

1. Our Father who art in heaven. 

Now, to utter this in the spirit of truth, 
is a matter of great importance, and should 
be well considered by all ; for, if in prayer 
we call God our father, we must be his chil- 
dren, begotten of his own will with the word 
of truth, that we may be a kind of first fruits 
of his creatures. James 1: 18. For to them 
he has given power to become the sons of 
God, even to them that believe on his name, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 163 

which are born not of blood, nor of the will 
of man, but of God (John 1: 12, 13); those 
only, saith the Lord, who come out from all 
unrighteousness, separate themselves, and 
touch not the unclean thing, will he receive 
and be a father unto them, and they shall be 
his sons and daughters, saith the Lord Al- 
mighty. 2 Cor. 6. 

Therefore it is the duty of every one, when 
he calls God his Father, to examine whether 
he is born of him, whether he loves him with 
all his heart, with all his soul, and with all 
his strength, whether he is obedient in all he 
has commanded, whether he seeks from his 
heart and possesses the communion of the 
Spirit ; for God is a spirit and will have such 
worshippers as worship him in spirit and in 
truth, (John 4) ; and such spiritual worship- 
pers have received from Christ the privilege 
of calling God their spiritual Father, inasmuch 
as he has given them power to become the 
children of God. Therefore, Christ says to 
Mary, Go to my brethren, and say unto them, 
I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, 
and to my God, and your God. John 20 : 
17. Heb. 2. And Paul says, Thou art no 
more a servant, but a son ; and if a son, then 
an heir of God through Christ. Gal. 4 : 6,7. 
But on the other hand, if a carnal-minded 
man, one who lives according to the lusts of 
the flesh, doing the will thereof, should call 
God his Father, he utters a falsehood, as 



164 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Christ replied to the Jews when they told him 
God was their Father, If God was your Fath- 
er, ye would love me ; for I proceeded forth, 
and came from God ; neither came I of my- 
self, but he sent me. Why do ye not under- 
stand my speech ? even because ye cannot 
hear my word. Ye are of your father, the 
devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. 
John 8. 

In this manner will Christ say to all carnal 
minded Christians who call God their Father ; 
for they love him not, neither understand his 
speech, they will not hear his word, nor do 
it, but teach for doctrines the commandments 
of men, (Matt 15 : 8, 9,) walk in the ways of 
the world, and follow the prince of the power 
of the air that worketh in them. Hence they 
are his children ; for he that committeth sin 
is of the devil ; for the devil sinneth from the 
beginning. For this purpose the son of God 
was manifested, that he might destroy the 
works of the devil. Whosoever is born of 
God doth not commit sin ; for his seed re- 
maineth in him ; and he cannot sin, (un- 
derstand, after the inner man,) because he is 
born of God. In this the children of God are 
manifest, and the children of the devil ; 
whosoever doeth not righteousness (that is, 
whosoever doth not obey God) is not of God. 
1 John 3. 
From this the following inference naturally 
ses : if thou art not yet born of God, if 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 165 

thou submittest not in entire obedience to his 
word and salutary guidance, but livest in the 
old creature according to the will of the flesh, 
the delight of the eye, the desire of life, and 
the pride of the world, and art not made sub- 
ject unto Christ, so that he is thy wisdom, 
thy righteousness, thy sanctification, and thy 
redemption or deliverance from sins; God is 
not thy Father, but thy father is the devil, 
whose works thou doest 

2. Hallowed be thy name. 

Now, how can the name of God be hal- 
lowed in us, so long as we remain in our sins, 
and by our works virtually deny his name? 
Tit. 1 : 16. Of such worshippers or formal 
Christians the Lord might say as he did of 
Israel in former times, They behave as the 
heathen, whither they have gone, and profane 
my holy name. Ezek. 36 : 20. For among 
such men the name of God is blasphemed, 
not hallowed. Rom. 2 : 24. 

But if we would have the name of God 
hallowed in us and by us, we must first be 
born of God, must walk in holiness of life, 
and live no more to our own will, but to the 
will of God, must honor and glorify him in 
all things, magnify his name, and defend and 
confess his word and truth before all men, as 
the three men before Nebuchadnezzar, (Dan- 
iel 3,) Daniel before Darius, (Chap. 6,) the 
apostles before the council, (Acts 5,) Stephen 



166 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

when he was stoned, (Acts 7,) Paul among 
the Jews and gentiles, (2 Cor. 11,) the Martyrs 
in the midst of fire and sword. Then is the 
name of God hallowed and glorified, when 
nothing separates us from his love. For 
the glory of a king is never more exalted than 
when his subjects are faithful and obedient. 
So also the name of God is hallowed, and his 
honor glorified in nothing more than in the 
keeping of his commandments ; because the 
love of God consists in keeping his command- 
ments. John 14 : 23. 1 John 5 : 2, 3. 

3. Thy kingdom come. 

Now, how can a man pray for the kingdom 
of God to come, who is yet desirous of living 
in the kingdom of the devil, in hatred and 
envy, in warring and bloodshed, in pleasure, 
pomp, pride, and all the folly of this world : 
while the kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of 
peace and love, a kingdom of humility and 
meekness ; a kingdom in which men do not 
war with the carnal weapons of warfare, in 
order that they may pull down strong holds, 
cast down imaginations, and every high thing 
that exalteth itself against the knowledge of 
God, and bringeth into captivity every 
thought to the obedience of Christ. Ah no, 
a man, who does not deny himself and hal- 
low the name of God, cannot in truth offer up 
this prayer. If he does it from habit, he prays 
for what he does not desire, and is, in the 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 167 

sight of God, a liar and a hypocrite, in con- 
sequence of which he shall receive the greater 
damnation. 

Hence he must be one who has renounced 
the devil and his kingdom, and does daily 
renounce them ; who seek in his heart the 
kingdom of God, and lives and aspires after 
his righteousness. Such a one, I say, prays 
in earnest that the kingdom of Jesus Christ 
may come into all inquiring souls, that his 
name may be made known to the nations, 
and his word spread abroad in the earth to 
the praise of his power. 

4. Thy will be done on earth as it is in 
heaven. 

How can a man pray for the Lord's will to 
be done, when he does not desire his will, 
but lives after his own will, walking accord- 
ing to his own inclination, and not according 
to the word or will of God ? Ah no, such a 
one draws nigh unto God with his mouth, 
but his heart is far from him. 

For, if a man prays " thy will be done," 
and God sends him crosses, tribulation or 
adversity, he must be patient under his afflic- 
tion, and think it is the will of God. Also if 
any person inflicts an injury upon him, he 
must not avenge himself, but leave vengeance 
tmto God, and consider that without permis- 
sion of God no man can hurt a hair of his 
head. As David said when Shimei cursed 



168 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

and threw stones at him, Let him curse, be- 
cause the Lord hath said unto him, curse 
David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast 
thou done so ? It may be that the Lord will 
look on my affliction, and requite me good 
for his cursing this day. 2 Sam. 16. Thus 
a man must submit in all things, and live 
according to the pleasure of God, in tempor- 
als or spirituals, in good report or evil report, 
in sickness or health, in prosperity or adver- 
sity, in riches or poverty, in strength or 
infirmity, in life or death ; as is the pleasure 
of our God, so should we always answer, 
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

But this no man can do unless he is a child 
of God, in whose heart and conversation the 
name of God is hallowed, who desires his 
will and kingdom, and, having experienced 
how gracious the Lord is, lives no longer unto 
himself, but unto him that died for him and 
rose again. 2 Cor. 5: 15. And who also, 
living under the control and protection of the 
Almighty, needs no longer a sheriff or a con- 
stable, but commits all things unto him who 
judgeth righteously, and lets his will be done. 

5. Give us this day our daily bread. 

Not only this earthly bread for our earthly 
body, but the heavenly bread and the hidden 
manna for our souls ; as Christ says, Labor 
not for the meat, which perisheth, but for 
that meat which endureth unto everlasting 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 169 

life, which the Son of man shall give unto 
you : for him hath God the Father sealed. 
John 6 : 27. 

Now, how can a man pray for this bread 
or daily meat that endureth unto eternal life, 
if he has never hungered aright after this meat, 
or after the word of life ? For a man doth 
not live by bread alone, but by every word 
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 
Matt. 4: 4. Yea, so long as a man does not 
hunger after every word of God to satisfy his 
soul therewith, he cannot beseech God in 
sincerity for this food of the soul. For a child 
of God, that knows the goodness and benev- 
olence of his Father, hungers and thirsts con- 
stantly after this, that he may do his will ; as 
Christ says, My meat is to do the will of him 
that sent me, and to finish his work. John 
4 : 34. So, also, a child of God, as long as 
he lives in the flesh, desires his daily nour- 
ishment out of the living word, which, being 
ingrafted in him, is able to save his soul 
(James 1 : 21) ; for this is the real food of the 
soul, that she do the will of her Father who 
is in heaven. 

6. And forgive us our debts. 

How can a man pray to God to forgive him 
his debts, when he will not acknowledge his 
debt before God, but commits sin daily in the 
pleasure and delight of this world, and if not 
gross acts, yet he transgresses the command- 
ments of God by his own traditions, (Matt 



170 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

15 : 3,) heaping up debt upon debt; and yet 
he will pray Forgive me my debts, which is 
nothing less than solemn mockery. 

But a child of God, who is dead unto sin 
and lives unto God in Christ, (Rom. 6. Col. 
3,) does not only pray that God may forgive 
him the sinful infirmities and weakness of 
the flesh, but he denies them, and mortifies 
the impure members that are on the earth 
(Col. 3,) he avoids sin as a deadly serpent, 
abstains from every appearance of evil, (l 
Thess. 5 : 22,) and has no fellowship with the 
unfruitful works of darkness; (Eph. 5 : 11,) 
and yet he confesses the weakness and daily 
infirmities of the flesh in which there dwell- 
eth no good thing. Rom. 7. Therefore his 
constant prayer is, that God will of his grace 
forgive him his debts, for he has nothing to 
pay; his works are not sufficient; his per- 
formance is too imbecile, and his ability too 
inconsiderable to fulfil his righteousness; 
therefore he prostrates himself at the throne of 
grace and prays, Forgive me mine or our, that 
is, all christians' debts. 

7. As we (as being christians) forgive our 
debtors. 

For a child of God is at all times willing 
to forgive his brethren in Christ the faults 
committed against him, even as Christ also 
forgave him, (Col. 3: 13); and not only his 
brethren but all men, even his enemies who 
mock, revile and calumniate him and do all 



i 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 171 

manner of evil against him ; as is shown 
above in the second and third divisions. 

But how can those, who live in strife and 
contention, returning railing for railing, quar- 
reling and going to law with their neighbors, 
repelling force by force, pray, Forgive us our 
debts, as we forgive our debtors ; and thereby 
think to obtain grace and forgiveness from 
God ? For if God would do unto them as 
they do to their debtors, he would deliver 
them to the jailer, and the jailer would cast 
them into the prison of hell, as Christ says 
in the parable. Matt. 5 and 18. Therefore 
all contentious men utter this prayer to their 
own condemnation. 

8. And lead us not into temptation. 

Or as other versions have it, suffer us not 
to be led into temptation. 

Now how can a man pray that he may not 
be led into temptation when he daily exposes 
himself to the danger of sin, and lives accord- 
ing to the will of the sinful flesh ? And 
though Christ by his grace frequently calls 
and convinces him, yet he will not have him 
to reign over him ; therefore his prayer is in- 
jectable, and is pure hypocrisy before God. 

But a child of God, in whose heart the 
spirit of Christ cries Abba Father ! desires to 
hallow the name of God in all his walk, 
prays that his kingdom may come, and his 
will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and 
longs after the daily bread or word of God by 



172 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

which his soul may be strengthened in .good 
things, and grow up in the purity of faith to 
the perfect stature of godliness, in which he 
desires to purify himself as God is pure, that 
at last he may be like him and see him as he 
is. 1 John 3. Hence he prays that God 
himself may carry on the purification within 
him, and forgive him all his debts and fail- 
ings, as he forgives his debtors ; and prays 
further, that he may not be led into tempta- 
tion, for he fears, abstains from and avoids 
sin ; and depends, not upon himself, but upon 
God, who is his protection in temptation, and 
his refuge in every time of need. Therefore 
he says, 

9. But deliver us from evil, 

With which I and my brethren are encom- 
passed, being daily exposed to the buffeting 
and temptation of sin. For thine is the king- 
dom which thou hast founded and set up in 
the souls of all thy children by thy power ; 
for thou art the power in us, and all our 
ability is centered in thee. Thou art also the 
glory in us, and the more thou art glorified in 
us, the more glcfry we will have in thee, not 
only in time but in eternity, to the praise of 
thy glorious Majesty, world without end. 
Amen. 

Learn, dear reader, from this, and take a 
view of thyself in this mirror $ repent and be 
converted, let thy heart be circumcised with 
the circumcision done without hands, that 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 173 

thou mayestbe a disciple or scholar of Jesus, 
and through him mayest arrive at a know- 
ledge of the Father; for no man knoweththe 
Father but the Son, and he to whomsoever 
the Son will reveal him. Matt. 11: 27. And 
glorious revelation which Christ imparts to 
longing souls. then the pilgrim sees and 
tastes how gracious the Lord is. Then he 
can say with all saints, Our Father, &c, for 
thine is the kingdom, the power, and the 
glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 



1. Father kind ! thou lov'st thy child, 
Who's truly born of thee ; 

Thou cleansest him from sin and guile, 
And set'st his spirit free. 

2. By Christ, thy dear beloved Son, 

Thou dost our hearts prepare, 

Whom thou didst send from heaven's throne, 

To suffer pain and care. 

3. For sin and the misdeeds of man, 
Which bind us as a chain, 

That we conforming with thy plan, 
May unto God attain. 

4. Therefore, Father, in us grant, 
Thy name may hallowed be; 
Give us the light and oil we want, 
Our way on earth to see. 

5. Thy kingdom come, God above, 

To all who've turned from sin, 

Where nothing rules but peace and love, 

O'er those who walk therein. 

6. Thy will should every christian bind; 
Our own we should not take ; 

For having gained a heavenly mind, 
Our will we should forsake. 



174 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 



7. Give us our daily bread, Lord, 
That we may be supplied 

From out thy true and living word, 
While we on earth abide. 

8. Our debts, Father, do forgive, 
Which in our souls we find; 

cleanse our sins that we may live, 
In Jesus' favor kind. 

9. As we have also those forgiven 
Who trespasses have done, 

As we received commandment, even 
From Jesus Christ thy Son. 

10. Therefore, God, do us preserve 
From all that tempt us may, 

That from thy path we ne'er may swerve, 
While here on earth we stay. 

11. Redeem us from all sin and guile, 

Which keep us still in pain, 

That we, God, may like thy Child, 

From every sin abstain* 

12. For thine's the kingdom and the power, 
Thy impulse all things sways. 
Whatever blessings on us shower, 
Must still enhance thy praise. 

13. We'll then submit, while here in time, 
To God, nor think it long, 

That we may there in heaven's clime 
Shout forth the victor's song. 

Amen. 



CHAPTER SIXTH. 

Embraces a portion from the 16th verse to the end of the 
Chapter. 1. That a man should in all his actions have re- 
gard to the honor of God. 2. That a man should not lay up 
treasure on earth, but in heaven. 3. What the single eye 
is, and that men should cut off the offending members. 4. 
Of heathenish cares, and that men should use the world 
and not abuse it. 

I. 

ye beloved children of God, dispersed 
abroad in a wicked and sinful world, to you 
especially and particularly is my sincere 
counsel, that ye look unto Jesus, the author 
and finisher of your faith. Behold, what an 
example he has left us, that we should follow 
his steps (l Pet. 2: 21); what instructions 
has he given us from his Father's mouth, 
which we should reflect upon and make the 
rule of our life. What grace has he not dis- 
played in this that we for his sake should be 
justified, if Ave follow him in the spirit of 
obedience : what a sincere intercession has 
he not made for his own, that they might be 
kept from evil (John 17) ; what anxiety did 
he not manifest for us, lest we should be se- 
duced from the path of rectitude. Therefore 
he has incessantly warned us and put us upon 
our guard, that we should preserve with 
fidelity what he has committed to our care. 



176 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Mark 34 to 37. Nay, his entire sermon and 
the whole of his doctrine contained in the 
four Evangelists, concur in this point; from 
which we should learn to depend entirely 
and exclusively upon him. Therefore, hu- 
mility of spirit is the first grade of which we 
must be made partakers, before we can have 
any part with Christ, as is shown in the first 
division. If now this humility of spirit 
abides in us as the ground work, that is, if 
we think, do, or permit nothing of ourselves, 
but bring into captivity every thought to the 
obedience of Christ, (2 Cor. 10: 5,) we shall 
attain through him to a state of perfection in 
God, that God may be to his children all in 
all. 

Therefore it behooves us at all times to 
watch, and together with our watching to 
examine, whether we remain steadfast in the 
way we set out ; whether all we do, we do 
to the honor of God, through love in God and 
to God. This then comprehends our alms- 
giving, our praying, our fasting, and our 
whole worship in all its parts and branches: 
so that if Ave do these things from habit, or 
as an obtrusive duty, or to conciliate the fa- 
vor of some person, we have .our reward. 
Gr if we claim of God some privilege by vir- 
tue of which we shall be made happy, our 
righteousness does not exceed the righteous- 
ness of the scribes and pharisees. Therefore 
Christ has faithfully warned us to take heed 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 177 

in all these things, that we do nothing be- 
fore men to receive honor of them, but in 
humility and retiredness of heart, as in the 
presence of God. For grace consists in this, 
that we do all out of love to God and his 
honor, through Jesus Christ, for the Father 
will be honored in the Son. John 5 : 23. 

II. 

Therefore Christ proceeds to give us anoth- 
er warning, that we shall not lay up treasure 
on earth, where moth and rust do cor- 
rupt, and where thieves break through and 
steal ; for these earthly treasures are extreme- 
ly perishable. How soon must we leave 
them and transfer them to others ; or even 
if we should remain here a long time, thieves 
may break in and strip us of all ; which will 
occasion us great trouble and sorrow, if our 
heart is in them. And this sorrow, says 
Paul, worketh death. 2 Cor. 7: 10. But if 
our heart is free so that we can use them as 
the gifts of the Lord, and employ them for 
the advancement of his honor, we can say 
with Job, The Lord gave, and he has power 
to take away, or permit to be taken away. 

Yea, what are all earthly treasures, that 
we should be delighted therewith? What 
would it profit us to gain the whole world 
and lose our own soul? Or with what 
willingness should not a man give the whole 
world to redeem his soul? Therefore let 



178 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

every one watch and be upon his guard ; for 
they that will be rich fall into temptation, 
and a snare, and into many foolish and hurt- 
ful lusts, which drown men in destruction 
and perdition. For the love of money is the 
root of all evil, which, while some coveted 
after, they have erred from the faith, and 
pierced themselves through with many sor- 
rows, (what a sad consequence !) Therefore 
Paul calls upon all the children of God to 
beware of the things of time and sense, and 
seek, in earnest haste, the everlasting riches. 
But thou, man of God ! flee these things, 
and follow after righteousness, godliness, 
faith, love, patience, meekness. 1 Timothy 
6. These are the treasures which we should 
lay up in heaven, where neither moth nor 
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves da not 
break through and steal. For where our 
treasure is, there is also our heart and our 
love, our desires, our joy and delight; thither 
the eye of our mind is constantly directed, 
and if the eye is single the whole body is 
full of light 

III. 

Mark : Single is not complex, is not double- 
hearted, is not with one eye in the world, to 
seek pleasure in things on earth, and with 
the other in heaven. For a man cannot 
serve two masters : we must love one and 
hate the other ; the offending member, eye, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 179 

hand and foot, must be abscinded : that is, 
our carnal propensities, which incline us to 
walk in the ways of the world, must be mor- 
tified and extirpated, (Col. 3) that we may 
look only with the internal spiritual eye of 
the mind up to where Christ sitteth on the 
right hand of the majesty of God. This is to 
have, with a single eye, our conversation in 
heaven ; hence the whole body is light ; but 
if this eye is evil and unfaithful towards God, 
paying more respect to things on the earth than 
things in heaven, and having more regard 
for the creature than the creator, the whole 
body is full of darkness \ (and mark) if the 
light that is in us is darkness, how great is 
that darkness ! 

Here apply these words of Christ, When 
the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he 
walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and 
findeth none. Then saith he, I will return 
into my house from whence I came out; 
and when he is come, he findeth it empty, 
swept and garnished, (without vigilance and 
spiritual labor, in a lukewarm and careless 
condition, as if no danger was apprehended.) 
Then goeth he, and taketh with him seven 
other spirits more wicked than himself, and 
they enter in and dwell there ; and the last 
state of that man is worse than the first. 
Matt. 12. 

Therefore it is written, Be vigilant; be- 



180 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

cause your adversary, the devil, as a roaring 
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may 
devour : whom resist steadfast in the faith. 
1 Pet. 5 : 8, 9. Wherefore Christ says, 
Watch ye therefore ; for ye know not when 
the master of the house cometh, at even, or 
at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the 
morning; lest coming suddenly he find you 
sleeping. And what I say unto you I say 
unto all, Watch. Mark 13. 

here is great danger! Who may es- 
cape ? For the world may be compared to 
an intriguing harlot; she presents herself 
arrayed in pomp and magnificence, and with 
seductive arts inflames our sinful desires 
and exerts an attractive influence upon our 
affections ; if a person is not vigilant, but 
permits his thoughts to incline towards this 
harlot, the Philistines or unclean spirits wait 
without, contriving how they may deprive 
us of our spiritual eyesight, and finally put 
an end to our life of godliness ; and in this 
manner the world may become the instru- 
ment, by which we again fall under the 
power of the devil and all unclean spirits, 
being constrained to make sport of their ex- 
ultation, as Sampson did among the Philis- 
tines. Judges 1 6. But in this case a person 
must do like Joseph, the man of integrity, 
rather leave the coat and all temporal honor 
and enjoyment with the intriguing world, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 181 

and fly with him under the cross ; and God 
will in the end exalt us over all the treasures 
of Egypt. Gen. 39 and 41. 

Hence I counsel with Paul all who are 
risen with Christ, that they seek those things 
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the 
right hand of God. Yea, set your affections 
on things above, not on things on the 
earth. Col. 3: 1, 2. For godliness is profit- 
able unto all things, having promise of the 
life that now is, and of that which is to come. 
Therefore godliness with contentment is 
great gain ; for we brought nothing into this 
world, and it is certain, we can carry noth- 
ing out. And having food and raiment, let 
us be therewith content. 1 Tim. 6. 

We cannot serve two masters, says Christ, 
we must either love the one, and hate the 
other, or cleave to the one and despise the 
other ; we cannot serve God and mammon ; 
that is, we cannot at the same time have our 
heart and delight in the world, and also in 
God ; but we must forsake houses, brethren* 
sisters, father, mother, wife, children, and 
lands, for Christ's name's sake ; and whoso- 
ever does this, shall receive a hundred fold, 
and shall inherit everlasting life. Matt 1 9 : 
20. Mark 10. 

The meaning here is, not that a person is 
debarred the possession of lands, or the use 
of the world, but that he shall keep his heart 
detached from and unoppressed with the cares 



182 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

of this life, not trusting in uncertain riches, 
but in the living God who giveth us richly 
all things to enjoy. 1 Tim. 6 : 17. And 
further, the meaning, as Paul says, is, that 
both they that have wives, be as though they 
had none ; and they that weep, as though 
they wept not; and they that rejoice, as 
though they rejoiced not; and they that 
buy, as though they possessed not; and they 
that use this world, as not abusing it: for 
the fashion of this world passeth away. 1 
Cor. 7. 

And inasmuch as the fashion of this world 
passes away, and we cannot retain it forever, 
we should necessarily preserve our affections 
detached from it, and rather suffer the loss 
of everything, if it should be so, for Christ's 
sake, than be separated from him, or act 
counter to his blessed doctrine. Therefore, 
the Hebrews took joyfully the spoiling of 
their goods, knowing in themselves that they 
had in heaven a better and an enduring sub- 
stance. Heb. 10: 34. 

IV. 

Wherefore Christ also says, Take no 
thought for your life what ye shall eat or 
what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, 
what ye shall put on. Is not the life more 
than meat, and the body than raiment ? Be- 
hold the fowls of the air : for they sow not, 
neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 183 

yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are 
you not much better than they ? 

This is the rich consolation and glorious 
promise given by Christ to those who believe 
on him, and live in obedience to the injunc- 
tion contained in these words, If any man 
sueth thee at the law and taketh away thy 
coat, let him have thy cloak also, and of him 
that taketh away thy goods, ask them not 
again ; (Luke 6 : 30,) as was shown before 
in the third division. 

But how many objections and subterfuges 
are made by unbelievers and the children of 
the world : they turn from side to side ; one 
has married a wife, and therefore he cannot 
do as he would wish; another has purchased 
a plantation, therefore he excuses himself; 
another again has a house to build, and is 
engaged in this ; another has money to col- 
lect and must still make use of force, or he 
might lose a little something ; the mechanic 
is afraid he may lose his customers ; and the 
man of pleasure thinks, How can I abandon 
my pleasant and delightful life ? I would 
be ridiculed as a fool and a simpleton, and 
would lose all my glory and fame in the 
world. 

And again, there is not so much danger to 
be apprehended as this or that person imag- 
ines ; God is merciful and of great patience. 

And further, I look around, and see my 
neighbors and friends who are religiously in- 

t2 



184 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

clined, living no better than myself, and some 
even not as good, who, notwithstanding, 
indulge the hope, that they shall enjoy 
eternal felicity. Therefore I will wait a 
while, to taste with them the pleasure of the 
world, and when I am old or in sickness, 
become weak and infirm, I will turn in earn- 
est unto God, and cry heartily for grace, and 
he will be merciful to me. 

sinner, lulled in the lap of security, dost 
thou suffer thy eyes to be thus blinded by 
the devil and his children, till they have 
dragged thy soul to hell, where thou wilt 
first find what thy subterfuges and the cares 
of life have brought upon thee. For dost 
thou not know that the day may overtake 
thee in such condition as a thief, and come 
upon thee as a snare and as travail, upon a 
woman with child, so that thou shalt not es- 
cape? Matt. 24: 43, Luke 21 : 35,36. 1 
Thess. 5:2. 2 Pet. 3: 10. Rev, 3: 3 and 
16: 15. Yea, sinner, when the day over- 
taketh thee even at the time when thou art 
least expecting it, what will be the state of 
thy mind ! If God has now marked thee 
out as an example of his vengeance, and di- 
rected against thee\the arrows of death, to be 
revenged upon thefc for thy sins, when he 
takes in his almighty hand the sword long 
since whet to wrath, in order to fight against 
thee; where wilt thou fly for refuge? If 
God is against thee, who may be for thee ? 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 185 

Can thy friends then afford thee relief whom 
thou lovedst more than God ? Ah no ! they 
may weep and lament over thy departure, 
they may extend the hand and bid thee the 
last solemn adieu, they can do no more! 
They can afford thee no consolation, they 
are unable to assuage the pangs of thy guilty 
conscience, or to do anything for thy poor 
and agonizing soul ! Now what alternative ? 
Thou must now forsake thy wife, land, house, 
goods, trade, the joy of the world and the 
company of thy friends. Behold, sleeper, 
thou canst now learn to see thy folly, and 
thy unhallowed conscience will, perhaps be- 
fore thou takest thy departure, perceive the 
fire of the wrath of the Almighty which con- 
strains thee in thy trouble, distress and an- 
guish, to cry aloud to God ; who says he will 
not hear. Now wilt thou seek him early, 
but he will not be found of thee. Why? 
Because thou rejectedst his doctrine and 
didst not regard the terror of the Lord, but 
settest at nought all his counsel and wouldst 
none of his reproof, (that is the chastening 
grace,) that taught thee to deny angodliness 
and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, right- 
eously, and godly, in this present world, (Tit 
2: 11, 12,) which thou didst not do. There- 
fore shalt thou eat of the fruit of thy own 
way, and be filled with thy own devices ; for 
the turning away of the simple shall slay 
them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy 

f3 



186 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

them. But whoso hearkeneth unto God 
shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from 
fear of evil. Proverbs, 1st chapter. 

Therefore, man, be not so unbelieving, 
be not detained too long by thy heathenish 
cares, seeing thou canst not by taking thought, 
as Christ says, add one cubit to thy stature : 
And (since thou canst do nothing without 
God) why takest thou thought for raiment ? 
Consider the lilies of the field, how they 
grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin : 
and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon 
in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of 
these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass 
of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow 
is cast into the oven, shall he not much more 
clothe you, ye of little faith ? Therefore 
take no thought, saying, What shall we eat ? 
or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal 
shall we be clothed ? (For all these things 
do the Gentiles seek;) for your heavenly 
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these 
things. 

Now, my dear man, thou who boastest 
thyself a christian, examine whether thou 
art a christian, or a Gentile who knows not 
God. For if thou seekest the things of the 
world more than the things of heaven, and 
livest more according to the will of the flesh 
than the will of God, thou art a Gentile 
rather than a christian: if thou bringest in 
as a subterfuge thy wife and children, house 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 187 

or lands, friends and relations, thy trade or 
profession, and the like, thou art a Gentile 
rather than a christian ; and if thou art not 
disposed, from thy heart, to lose house, land, 
husband, wife, children, brothers, sisters, 
friends, neighbors, and all thou hast, before 
thou wouldst wilfully transgress one of the 
commandments of Christ, thou art a Gentile 
rather than a christian. For Christ says, 
Whosoever forsaketh not all he has cannot 
be my disciple. 

But the unbelieving formalist, or nominal 
christian replies, If I was to live thus and 
make such a confession as is set forth in the 
illustration of this sermon, I would soon be 
robbed by everybody, and could not possi- 
bly get through the world with my family. 

Behold, reader, this is the language of the 
accursed unbelief which bewitches almost 
the whole world, keeping them back from 
Christ and thereby derogating from the om- 
nipotent majesty of God, as if he was not 
mighty to provide for his own, who confide 
in him with all their heart. Moreover the 
doctrine of Christ is rejected, in which he 
constantly enjoins upon us to keep ourselves 
free from the cares of the gentiles, and place 
our trust in God who provides for us in all 
things and will provide ; the truth of which 
he has evidenced in those who have placed 
their whole reliance in him. Noah he knew 
how to preserve in the flood, Abraham in a 

f4 



188 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

land where he had no possession, not so 
much as to set his foot upon, Lot in Sodom, 
Israel in the wilderness,- Elijah by a raven, 
the widow in the time of famine, the three 
children in the furnace, Daniel in the lion's 
den, Susanna from the false judges, the apos- 
tles from imprisonment, John in the isle of 
Patmos, (Gen. 8 and 12. Acts 7 : 5. Gen. 19. 
Dan. 3 and 6. 1 Kings 17. Story of Susanna 
1. Acts 5. Rev. 1 : 9,) and many similar 
examples. For his hand is not shortened, 
that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, 
that it cannot hear. If he is for us, who can 
be against us. Is t 59: 1. Rom. 8: 31. For 
he that dwelleth in the secret place of the 
Most High and abideth under the shadow of 
the Almighty, saith of the Lord, He is my 
refuge, and my fortress: my God; in him 
will I trust. Ps. 91. He casteth all his care 
upon him, knowing that he careth for him. 
1 Pet. 5 : 7. 

These are the attributes of genuine faith ; 
hence Paul says, Without faith it is impos- 
sible to please God ; for he that cometh to 
God must believe that he is and that he 
is a rewarder of them that diligently seek 
him. Heb. 11 : 6. And the prophet says, 
Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth ? 
Jer. 5 : 3. And Christ says, Your heavenly 
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these 
things ; seek first the kingdom of God and his 
righteousness ; and all these things shall be 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 189 

added unto you. Take therefore no thought 
for the morrow : for the morrow shall take 
thought for the things of itself. Sufficient 
unto the day is the evil thereof. 

Perhaps some one will say, A man cannot 
be without care; for he must build, plant, 
sow, reap, and provide for his family, as Paul 
shows us in these words, If any provide not 
for his own, and especially for those of his 
own house, he hath denied the faith, and is 
worse than an infidel. 1 Tim. 5 : 8. 

This is granted; it is a duty incumbent 
upon us to do all this, as long as it shall 
please God ; for in the sweat of our brow we 
should eat our bread and should work with 
our hands, so as not to be chargeable to any ; 
and Paul commanded if any would not work, 
neither should he eat. 2 Thess. 3:10. 

But all this can be done without having 
our hearts surcharged with cares ; for if we 
build, we should not be solicitous how we 
shall complete our design ; because we know 
not whether we shall live till morning; and 
if we sow, we should not be anxious how it 
may thrive and produce, but should commit 
it entirely to God ; in harvest we should 
gather in the grain as though we were never 
to taste it ; when at our daily work we should 
think, perhaps to-day or to-night my Master 
will come and demand an account of my 
stewardship ; and if we proceed daily upon 
this plan, the cares of the world will certainly 

f5 



190 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

diminish; for we have here an important 
work to attend to, where eveiy day will bring 
forth its own evil. Therefore all temporal 
cares are extremely pernicious to the soul ; 
they are shackles by which it is bound on 
earth and kept from heaven ; and wo to such 
a soul ; for the devil (who is by Christ cast 
out of many heavenly and sanctified hearts) 
is come down to her in her earthly habitation, 
having great wrath, because he knoweth he 
has but a short time (Rev. 12) ; for his judg- 
ment is near at hand. But on the other hand, 
all the heavenborn and sanctified Spirits who 
have their conversation according to the inner 
man no more on earth but in heaven, yea, 
who are the new heaven and the new earth, 
the dwelling of God, the temple of the Holy 
Ghost, for whom the angels as ministering 
Spirits and flaming fires, minister as unto 
heirs of salvation, (Heb. 1 : 14,) to them the 
voice of the Spirit says, Rejoice, ye heavens, 
and ye that dwell therein, for now is come 
salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of 
our God, and the power of his Christ, (Rev. 
1 2,) and he will reign for ever and ever. Amen. 

Hence, soul, to heaven direct thy eyes, 

Let nought on earth thee bind? 

With thy whole heart to God arise, 

Thou shalt redemption find. 

Then thou wilt first correct observe, 

What God is in his own : 

For his bright angels do them serve, 

His light's around them thrown. 

No harm can reach them from their foes, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 191 

God's for them in the strife, 

Calm in his bosom they repose, 

In times with sufferings rife. 

This is the yoke gives little pain, 

Which Christ's true members bear; 

In tribulation they obtain 

Of comfort glorious share. 

Hence do your cares incessant cast 

Upon the Lord's control, 

Who cares for beasts and blades of grass, 

For body more and soul. 

Ah children, let us onward move, 

Until we shall procure 

From God who reigns in realms above, 

The crown of brightness pure. 

then vexation into joy 

Is changed in our breast ; 

So that pure bliss without alloy 

We do in Christ possess. 

Hosanna to the Lamb of God ! 

Didst not for us obtain 

This peace upon the cursed wood, 

We'd suffer endless pain. Amen. 



CHAPTER SEVENTH. 

Embraces a part of the seventh chapter, from the first to the 
7th verse, namely, one man should not judge another by his 
own reason or wisdom, but should commit all judgment to the 
Spirit of God, by whom the children of God shall judge the 
world. 

In the first place, ye beloved children of the 
most high God, ye who have this evangelical 
doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ more by 
experience than by knowledge, ye who have 
passed through the school of self-denial : see 
that you walk circumspectly and sally not 
forth from your strong hold, but remain with- 
in in Christ your shepherd and leader, and 
follow his voice, that he may work all things 
by you; may by you teach and instruct, 
contend against the world, and exercise mer- 
cy, so that he may be all in you, and you may 
not live unto yourselves but unto him ; you 
will then be able to say with Christ (since you 
are one with him. John 17.) I can of my 
own self do nothing ; as I hear I judge ; and 
my judgment is just ; because I seek not my 
own will, but the will of the Father which 
hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, 
my witness is not true. There is another 
that beareth witness of me ; and I know that 
the witness which he witnesseth of me is 
true. John 5. Beloved children proceed by 
this rule, do nothing of yourselves, but let him 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 193 

that is in you, do all by you ; and so you 
shall with him judge the world, and not only 
the world,butangels,andshallrule the nations 
with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter 
shall they be broken to pieces. Rev. 2: 26,27. 
In the second place, ye carnal minded men, 
ye who by your reason and philosophic wis- 
dom, or false and self-righteousness, judge 
others concerning the mote in their eye, hav- 
ing at the same time a beam in your own 
eyes, that is, ye are yet unconverted, uncir- 
cumcised in heart, yet carnal and unregene- 
rated ; hence you call evil good, and good 
evil ; darkness light, and light darkness ; ye 
judge others and condemn yourselves. There- 
fore, ye men, who act on this wise, how do 
ye think to escape the judgment of God? 
Know you not that the long suffering and 
goodness of God leadeth (first) to repentance, 
(Rom. 2,) or will lead, so that you mayjudge^ 
not as carnal, but as spiritual ; for it must be 
spiritually discerned ; he that is spiritual 
judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged 
of no man. 1 Cor. 2 : 14, 15. Mark, he 
judgeth all things, not of himself, but by the 
spirit, according to the mind of Christ, or ac- 
cording to his word and doctrine in which is 
contained the mind of Christ ; for his word 
which he has spoken shall judge men at the 
last day ; not himself nor his saints, but his 
spoken word which man transgresses, being 
disobedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ, 



194 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

against whom sentence is already pronounced, 
that it may finally be accomplished (in all 
those who in their life time resisted through 
disobedience,) by Christ, who has announced 
beforehand, that every man should turn and 
repent Therefore all will have to confess, 
we have condemned ourselves through our 
hardness and impenitent hearts; we have 
treasured up unto ourselves wrath against the 
day of wrath and revelation of the righteous 
judgment of God, who now renders unto 
every man according to his works. Rom. 2 : 
5, 6. But when Christ pronounced the dread- 
ful wo upon the scribes and pharisees, and 
all false prophets, he did not do it as judging 
them, but as announcing the judgment and 
final doom which would infallibly result to 
them from their obstinacy; to th« end that 
they might be excited to repentance. Like- 
wise, when Paul pronounced a curse against 
all who would preach a gospel different from 
his, he did not do it as judging any man, but 
for a warning to all, well knowing that who- 
soever teaches otherwise than he taught, is 
accursed. In like manner all similar ex 
pressions uttered by the aposttes, were intend- 
ed to serve purely as warnings, that every 
man should be afraid and humble himself 
under the mighty hand of God, so as to be 
exalted at his proper time. 

On the other hand, if a man lives a carnal 
and impenitent life, he is judged already by 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 195 

the doctrine of Christ and his apostles. If he 
does not walk agreeably to the doctrine of 
Christ and the apostles, he is judged by the 
same doctrine ; if he preaches any other doc- 
trine, he is accursed by the same doctrine. 
John 3:18. Rom. 1 : 29 to 32. Chap. 8. 
Gal. 1. 2 John, verse 9. 

From this it is easy to infer first that the 
saints judge no man, but that the Lord's word 
judgeth. As Christ says, Judge not that ye 
be not judged; (and Luke 6,) condemn not 
that ye be not condemned, &c. 

Again, it is evident, notwithstanding, that 
they who are spiritual judge all things, not of 
themselves, but by the word of the Lord ; and 
they are judged of no man, for they are judged 
agreeable to the same word by the Spirit of 
Christ who guideth them into all truth, (John 
16: 13, 14) ; and the same Spirit through their 
instrumentality reproveth the world of sin. 
John 16: 8. 

But since the natural man does not know 
this Spirit, he cannot bear the reproof of the 
children of God, (though they reprove him 
out of pure love for his amelioration) but is 
exasperated against them, as the Jews were 
against Christ and his apostles. The foun- 
dation of this is, that the person does not know 
himself; he is spiritually blind, his own 
righteousness has obscured his vision, he will 
not be persuaded that his soul is thus circum- 



196 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

stanced, or that his condition is so forlorn as 
is represented by him who is righteous; 
therefore he is grievous unto us even to be- 
hold ; for his life is not like other men's, his 
ways are of another fashion. Wisdom 2 : 
12 to 17. 

This was the disposition of the hardened 
Jews, when they persecuted Christ and the 
apostles with their brethren ; this was the dis- 
position of the unbelieving gentiles and all 
the persecutors from the beginning of the 
world; as Christ says, They will cast you out 
of their synagogues and slay you, and will 
think they do God service, but all this they 
will do unto you because they neither know 
me nor my Father. John 16. Therefore, O 
man, learn first to know thyself; let the beam 
be extracted from thy own eye before thou 
undertakest to pull the mote out of thy broth- 
er's eye ; but when the eye is cleansed, when 
thy heart is turned from the power of satan 
to God, when thou hast received forgiveness 
of sins, and inheritance among them who are 
sanctified by faith that is in God, (Acts 26: 
18,) then see that thou take the mote out of 
thy brother's eye ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, 
in season or out of season, with all long suf- 
fering and doctrine ; for the time is now come 
when they will not endure sound doctrine; 
but after their own lusts heap to themselves 
teachers, having itching ears, and turn away 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 197 

their ears from the truth, and are turned unto 
fables. 2 Tim. 4. 

Christendom, how hast thou become so 
like the hardened Jews ! You boast of being 
christians as they did of being Abraham's chil- 
dren; but the doctrine of Christ has no place 
among you, you do not understand his speech, 
and therefore cannot hear his word. John 
8 : 37, 43. If a person represents this to you, 
rebuking you for your disobedience, and by 
the doctrine of Christ rejects your self chosen 
will-worship, reproving with the scripture 
your impenitent lives, you cannot bear this, 
you cry out, This fellow is a mover of sedi- 
tion and a sectary, he preaches a new doctrine 
which is every where spoken against, (Acts 
21: 21, and 24: 5, and 28: 22); he judges 
and condemns all things, he is self-righteous 
and thinks himself better than other people, 
(though it is not true before God). But as 
regards you (who judge according to your 
carnal judgment) it is true, that is, you be- 
lieve as you say, since reason by the sugges- 
tion of satan teaches you so ; as the Jews 
thought they were justifiable in saying, Christ 
had a devil, so you think you are justifiable 
in saying, the disciples and members of Christ 
are sectaries and movers of sedition, who are 
incited by the spirit of the devil to disturb the 
peace of the world. Which expressions have 
often been made in regard to myself, and it 
is no wonder; for if they have called the 



198 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

master of the house Beelzebub, how much 
more shall they call them of his household. 
Matt. 10:25. For this reason 1 will not cease 
to speak in light, what he tells me in darkness, 
and what he whispers in my ear, that I will 
preach upon the housetops ; that is in public, 
not fearing them who may kill the body, but 
rather him who is able to destroy both soul 
and body in hell. Matt 10: 27, 28. Peter 
and John (in the midst of all the threatenings) 
could not but speak the things which they 
had seen and heard. Acts 4 : 20. 

ye hardened men, who often speak evil 
of the things that you do not understand, and 
shall therefore utterly perish in your own 
corruption, (2 Pet. 2 : 12,) repent, repent and 
reform ; sell all you have and follow the 
crossbearing Jesus; become poor in yourselves 
and full of godly sorrow ; cast away your own 
righteousness, and seek that which exceeds 
the righteousness of the scribes and pharisees ; 
and so an entrance shall be administered 
unto you abundantly into his everlasting 
kingdom; you shall be made partakers of the 
divine disposition and nature of Christ, set in 
his image after the inner man ; ye shall be 
the pure salt of the earth, and the true light 
of the world ; ye shall reprove the world by 
the Spirit of God ; ye shall mete with the true 
measure and judge according to the word of 
God; your sentence (as far as the fruit is 
manifest to you) will agree with the sentence 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 199 

of God, so that whatsoever you bind on earth 
shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you 
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven ; for it 
is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your 
Father which speaketh in you. Matt. 5 : 3, 4, 
20. 2 Pet. 1 : 11,4. Col. 3 : 10. Matt. 5:13, 
14. John 16: 8. Matt. 18 : 8 and 10, 20. 

And now, ye christians, who have found 
this pearl of great price and obtained these 
holy things, take heed that you use them in 
a proper manner, according to the counsel of 
Christ, and not give them to the dogs, or cast 
them before swine ; that is, such men as, 
having once ejected their sins, like the dog, 
swallow them again, or like the sow, having 
been washed, return again to their wallow- 
ing in the mire of their sins, (2 Pet. 2 : 22,) 
lest they trample them under foot and turn 
again and rend you. Matt. 7:6. 

As Paul says to Timothy, Study to show 
thyself approved unto God, a workman that 
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing 
the word of truth. But shun profane and 
vain babblings ; for they will increase unto 
more ungodliness, and their word will eat as 
doth a canker ; of whom is Hymeneus and 
Philetus,who concerning the truth have erred, 
saying, That the resurrection is passed al- 
ready, and overthrow the faith of many. 2. 
Tim. 2. 

In this we observe how these backsliding 
members, who are compared to dogs and 



200 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

swine, have turned again ; how their words 
have rent and contaminated some, overthrow- 
ing their faith. Therefore Christ warns us 
not to give our holy things unto such, nor to 
have any fellowship with them ; as Paul 
says, A man that is a heretic, after the first 
and second admonition, reject, knowing that 
he that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, 
being condemned of himself. Tit. 3 : 10, 11. 

From this we learn that it is incumbent 
upon us not to engage in much disputation 
with those who were called brethren in Christ, 
and concerning the truth do err and turn to 
evil, but to admonish them a first and second 
time in sincerity to reform, and if they will 
not then hear us, to avoid them, lest they 
corrupt us. 2 Tim. 4: 14, 15. For a little 
leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Cor. 5 : 
6. Gal. 5 : 9. 

From this we learn in addition, that we 
should not give the holy things and the pre- 
cious pearls of the gospel to impenitent and 
unconverted sinners, who yet in their old 
beastly practices wallow in sins like swine, 
in order to console and speak peace to them, 
nor should we administer them the commu- 
nion, as though they were brethren in Christ ; 
for such are ungodly men, turning the grace 
of our God into lasciviousness, and denying 
the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ 
(Jude, verse 4) ; if not by their mouth, they do 
it in 9 their works, (Tit 1: 16,) and in such 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 201 

manner they trample upon holy things. 
Therefore we should much more rebuke, re- 
prove, and preach up strict righteousness, 
that thereby, terror seizing upon them, they 
may reform and become heirs of eternal sal- 
vation. 

1. Jesus, Shepherd of our race ! 
Grant us thy goodness and. thy grace, 
Within us by thy Spirit cause, 
What self in thee, Jesus, was. 

2. That we may always go through thee 
Unto the Father, always see 

The dangers that o'er us impend, 
Unless thou, Jesus, art our friend. 

3. Teach us, thy word and spirit by, 
What's false to know, all things to try, 
That we may judge them by thy word, 
As thou hast taught us, gracious Lord. 

4. Thy word is a criterion clear, 

Which thou hast given us mortals here. 
Whereby to form a judgment true, 
Since we are judged in what we do. 

5. Who different judge, damnation find, 
Their judgment not being pure divine, 
And hence with thee it may not stand, 
Since 'twas not done by thy command. 

6. We must the beam take from our eye, 
Before thou wilt that we should try 
The mote from others' eyes to clear ; 
Therefore, man, be careful here, 

7. Lest when thou judgest other men, 
Thou dost thyself by this condemn ; 
For if thyself art yet impure, 

Thou dost God's judgment strong endure. 

8. Therefore, man, thy heart review; 
It is no jest, 'tis solemn true; 

Thou must beforehand hallowed be, 
And in pure peace with God agree. 



202 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

9. Then God himself will judgment take 
Through Jesus Christ : for Jesus' sake 
All that against thee now remain, 
They cast into eternal pain. 

10. If thou hast this rich treasure drawn, 
hold it as thy dearest pawn, 

And cast it not to dogs to eat, 
Lest they may tread it under feet. 

11. Jesus, Shepherd of our race, 
Grant us thy goodness and thy grace, 
By Spirit blest in us provide, 

What by the law was ne'er supplied. 

So grant us, Lord Jesus, thy Holy Spirit, 
who may lead us into all thy truth, and 
teach us the mysteries of thy kingdom, by 
which we shall be enabled to distinguish 
true from false, pure from impure, internal, 
as regards thee, from what is external, that 
we may not live out of thee, but in thee, and 
thou alone mayest work all things in us and 
by us, according to thy word and will ; for 
thy word is perfect truth, thy commandment 
is everlasting life, and this thy word will 
judge all men at the last day. Therefore, 
Jesus, thou who art worthy of all worship, 
bring forth thy judgment in us unto victory, 
that we may pass from death unto life, and 
not come into judgment. Make all thy ene- 
mies in us thy footstool, that we may live in 
thee, Jesus, and thou in us, as thou abidest 
in the Father and the Father in thee, to the 
honor and praise of thy glorious majesty, 
now and for evermore. Amen. 



CHAPTER EIGHTH. 

Embraces a portion from the 7th to the 15th verse. 1. It is 
shown how necessary the knowledge of ourselves is, if we 
would come to Christ. 2. That prayer is the means by 
which hungry souls draw nigh to Christ. 3. After the mys- 
tic death a man springs to life and becomes a new creature- 
4. The life and increase of the new man consists in the 
spirit and gospel of Jesus Christ. 6. The reason why few 
are saved is, that the gate is strait and the way narrow. 
6. A representation of the great dangers a man is exposed 
to of being misled in regard to the reality of his conversion. 

I. 

Benign reader, if having read th s dis- 
course thus far, thou hast not yet experienced 
the power of God which lies concealed in 
the gospel, thou wilt perhaps exclaim with 
the disciples, Who can be saved ? Or who 
can live in the strictness required by the 
scriptures ? These, perhaps, and other sim- 
ilar ideas, will suggest themselves. If so, 
remember, 

1 % That the scripture cannot be broken, as 
Christ teaches us. John 10: 35. 

2. That strait is the gate, and narrow is 
the way which leadeth unto life, and few 
there be that find it. Matt. 7: 14. 

3. That not every one that satih, Lord, 
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, 
but he that doeth the will of my Father who 
is in heaven. Matt. 7: 21. 



204 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

4. That the will of the Father is manifest- 
ed and declared unto us by Jesus Christ. 
John 12: 49, 50 and 14: 10." 

5. That he who saith, I know him, and 
keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and 
the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth 
his word, in him verily is the love of God 
perfected ; hereby know we that we are in 
him. He that saith he abideth in him, ought 
himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 
1 John 2:4, 5, 6. 

6. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth 
not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God : 
he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he 
hath both the Father and the Son. 2 John, 
verse 9. 

7. That the things which are impossible 
with men, are possible with God. Luke 18: 
27. 

Now, reader, when thou considerest these 
and many other passages of scripture, in 
which God has pronounced irrevocable sen- 
tence of condemnation upon all those that 
obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
(2 Thess. 1 : 8, 9,) what will be thy excuse, 
and what thy consolation, so long as thou 
hast no interest in the gospel ? For lo ! the 
threatening is nothing less than death and 
everlasting perdition. 

Therefore be sober this once ; awake from 
thy sleep and arise from the dead, and Christ 
shall give thee light (Eph. 5: 14); for he is 



! 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 205 

the true light that lighteth every man that 
cometh into the world, (John 1 : 9,) and he 
that followeth this light, shall not walk in 
darkness, but shall have the light of life 
John 8: 12. Is. 9: 2. And this life will 
grow up in us through the knowledge of Je- 
sus Christ, in his doctrine, to a perfect man, 
that we henceforth be no more children, 
tossed to and fro, and carried about with 
every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men 
and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in 
wait to deceive. Eph. 4: 13, 14. 

But before we attain to this new condition, 
this life of godliness, we must see by the 
light of Jesus that our natural and historical 
knowledge of Christ is but darkness, that 
our intelligence is no intelligence, and our 
understanding no understanding, as regards 
things divine ; yea, that our wisdom is but 
foolishness with God ; as Paul teaches us, 
saying, Let no man deceive himself; If any 
among you seemeth to be wise in this world, 
let him become a fool that he may be wise ; 
for the wisdom of the world is foolishness 
with God: for it is written, He taketh the 
wise in their own craftiness. 1 Cor. 3: 18, 
19. Christ also thanked his Father because 
he hid these things from the wise and pru- 
dent, and revealed them unto babes. Matt. 
11: 25. 

This renunciation of ourselves and our 
own knowledge and wisdom gives rise to 



206 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

humility of spirit and godly sorrow, the true 
state of infancy in which is laid open the 
way to grace by the drawing of the father, 
through an earnest seeking and longing, in- 
flamed with the spirit of prayer, so that the 
penitent sighs incessantly, and ceases not till 
he is made partaker of grace. For by the 
knowledge of his poor and wretched condi- 
tion he is incited to prayer, and is encouraged 
by the promises of God in Christ Jesus not 
to leave off till he finds consolation in his 
Savior, whom he does not yet see, but ap- 
proaches him in weak faith, surrounded with 
a multitude of temptations, and under a sense 
of his unworthiness he sobs forth, Be merci- 
ful unto me a sinner. wretched man that 
I am, whither shall I go ; where shall I find 
refuge, if thou, Shepherd of Israel, dost not 
receive me as a sheep of thy pasture, as an 
example of thy mercy, of which, when I look 
into myself, I find I am unworthy. I have 
rendered myself obnoxious to the penalty of 
offended justice. I am worthy of undergoing 
thy eternal condemnation for the multitude 
of my sins. 

Behold ! this is the condition of the man 
of a contrite spirit, of them that tremble at 
the word of the Lord, and unto whom he 
will look. Is. 66: 2. Unto these Christ 
calleth, saying, Ask, and it shall be given 
you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it 
shall be opened unto you : for every one that 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 207 

asketh, receiveth ; and he that seeketh, find- 
eth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be 
opened. 

Or what man is there of you, whom if his 
son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a ser- 
pent ? If ye then, being evil, know how to 
give good gifts unto your children, how much 
more shall your Father who is in heaven, 
give good things to them that ask him ? 
Matt. 7. Luke 11. 

II. 

Go then, oppressed sinner, and lay hold 
of Christ by his word, and humbly beg for 
this proffered grace, and thou shalt obtain 
it at his time according to his promise. If 
he does not come to thy relief as soon as 
thou desirest, be not dejected, (for it does not 
become us to set time or season to the Lord) 
but pray the more earnestly, bow down thy- 
self in the dust at his feet, and be submissive 
in greater humility, and he will assuredly 
hear thee and fulfil his promise. 

The tempter will, no doubt, raise objec- 
tions, and tell thee thou hast often rejected 
grace when thou shouldst have complied 
with the terms of salvation; he has often 
called and thou didst not answer, hath knock- 
ed and thou didst not open ; he would oft 
have taken thee under the wings of his mercy, 
as a hen gathereth her chickens, and thou 



208 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

wouldst not ; he tendered thee his grace but 
thou wouldst not have him to reign over thee : 
but now in the time of thy need, when thy 
soul is full of troubles, and thy life draweth 
nigh unto the grave, (Ps. 88,) he has hidden 
his face from thee ; now thou callest, but he 
will not answer ; thou seekest him but he 
will not be found of thee : now thou art left 
to eat the fruit of thy own way, and to be 
filled with thy own devices. Prov. 1:31. 
These and numerous other objections of a 
similar nature, are almost sufficient to over- 
whelm thy slender bark; thes torm of temp- 
tation drives over thee the terrific billow's of 
desperation; the anguish of death cometh 
upon thee, and the horror of hell encompass- 
eth thee round about, so that thou criest 
aloud with David, My iniquities are gone 
over my head ; as a heavy burden they are 
too heavy for me. Ps. 38. wretched pen- 
itent, this is the time of purification by which 
the Lord prepares thee for a better condition ; 
this is the time and the power of darkness 
which thy Saviour also experienced, partic- 
ularly when about to suffer the ignominious 
death of the cross for thee and all unhappy 
sinners, at which time, under intense agony, 
he sweat, as it were, great drops of blood, 
that he might assist and comfort thee in all 
thy temptations. Therefore faint not, wait 
upon the Lord, and he will renew thy 
strength : cast thyself, thy old and sinful hu- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 209 

inanity, upon the justice of God: let it, as an 
executioner, fasten thee with Christ to the 
cross and slay the old man, and so thou 
shalt be furnished in paradise with the new 
or inner man, through the innocence of 
Christ. 

But if thou canst not understand this, take 
for example the prodigal son. Having spent 
all the goods he received from his father with 
harlots and riotous living; having nothing 
more to spend, and being in the last extrem- 
ity, he arose and went to his father, though 
on the way no doubt he was perplexed with 
many fears and apprehensions, lest his father 
would not receive him, but rather accuse 
him of being an undutiful son, who had 
squandered his goods in disgraceful riotings, 
and on that account would drive him away 
as a person unworthy of being received 
into his house. Necessity alone compelled 
him ; he saw that, unless he went, he must 
perish with hunger ; he knew that he had no 
way of preserving his life, unless his father 
(about whom he thought very little in his 
prosperity) would show him compassion; 
for he knew that his father had bread in 
abundance to fill his hungry soul. Thus 
impelled by necessity, he arose and departed, 
but in what manner ? Not that he might 
justify himself before his father, or palliate 
his wicked course of life : no, he presented 



210 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

himself as he was, poor and lost, guilty and 
unjust: full of repentance for his dissolute 
and prodigal life, he cried out with a submis- 
sive heart, Father, I have sinned against 
heaven and in thy sight, and am no more 
worthy to be called thy son. But his father, 
who saw him afar off, came to meet him, 
and filled with ardent love and paternal joy, 
fell on his neck and kissed him. Not a word 
dropped from the father reprehensive of his 
past life. Ah no, the joy for his child, once 
lost and now found, was too exquisite; they 
took off his tattered garments and put on the 
best robe; a ring is put on his hand and 
shoes on his feet ; they prepare a feast, eat, 
drink and are merry ; the whole family hear 
the father in gladness exclaim, This my son 
was dead and is alive again; he was lost and 
is found. Luke 15. 

Hungering and distressed soul, pause here 
a moment, and reflect whether thou canst 
not perceive in the above that thou thyself 
art the lost son, who, by thy sins and iniqui- 
ties, hast separated between thee and thy 
God, (Isaiah 59: 2,) and now in humility of 
spirit and extremity of want, hungerest after 
grace : Assuredly thou art the lost son ; arise 
in thy poverty and go to thy Father ; he has 
bread in abundance ; he looks to him that is 
poor and of a contrite spirit and trembles at 
his word (Is. 66: 2) ; he will give thee beauty 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 211 

for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the 
garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. 
Is. 61: 3. 

Incline thy ear to him and hear, and thy 
soul shall live ; for he will make an everlast- 
ing covenant with thee, even the sure mer- 
cies of David. Is. 55: 3. 

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smok- 
ing flax shall he not quench, till he send 
forth judgment unto victory. Matt. 12 . 20. 

He will take away thy filthy garments, 
and cause thy iniquity to pass from thee; he 
will clothe thee with the garments of salva- 
tion ; he will cover thee with a robe of right- 
eousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself 
with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth 
herself with her jewels. Is. 61: 10. Zach. 
3 : 4, 5. 

He will bring thee to his rich entertain- 
ment, (Luke 14: 21, 23,) and fill thy soul 
with good things (Is. 55 : 2) ; he will an- 
nounce to his servants and ministering spirits 
the joy of his heart, saying, This my son was 
dead in tresspasses and sins, and is alive 
again; he was lost and is found. The an- 
gels in heaven rejoice over such a sinner as 
thou who repentest. Luke 15: 7, 10. The 
servants of God on earth cannot but partici- 
pate in this joy; they praise God in that he 
has given thee repentance unto life. Acts 
11: 18. Acts 15: 3. 



212 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

But if thou canst not derive, from what 
has been advanced, any consolation for thy 
troubled soul, which is grievously tormented 
by the devil with divers temptations, in or- 
der that he may plunge thee into despera- 
tion: 

Take, then, for a pattern, the woman of 
Canaan She cried unto Jesus, saying, Have 
mercy upon me, for my daughter is grievously 
vexed with a devil. She cried, but he an- 
swered her not a word; nevertheless she 
cried on. The disciples, moved by her in- 
cessant crying, besought him in her behalf; 
but he answered and said, I am not sent but 
unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 
Then she came and worshipped him, saying, 
Lord, help me. But he answered, it is not 
meet to take the children's bread and to cast it 
to dogs. hard saying ! the woman might 
have thought, He does not look upon me as 
a child, but as a filthy dog : what further 
should I ask ? How may I expect anything 
mare from him ? But no, such thoughts did 
not enter her mind ; she took his saying in 
good part ; she knew that she was an impure 
heathen, a stranger to the covenant of prom- 
ise and an alien from the house of Israel ; 
therefore she did not wish to be placed on an 
equality with the children, but she only de- 
sired as a filthy dog to gather up what the 
children let fall under their feet, and she 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 213 

would be satisfied. At the sight of such hu- 
miliation Jesus could no longer restrain him- 
self, but said unto her, woman, great is 
thy faith : be it unto thee as thou wilt. And 
her daughter was made whole from that very- 
hour. Matt. 15. 

Poor penitent, go and do likewise. Cry 
unto Jesus. Beseech him, saying, Have 
mercy on me, for my soul is grieviously vexed 
with a devil. If he will not hear thee, pray 
the more earnestly. If he does not hear his 
disciples who entreat him in thy behalf, be 
not disheartened on this account ; think of 
the woman ; she came and fell down at his 
feet, and knowing that he was her only helper, 
she did not desist till she Obtained relief. Do 
thou likewise ; pray without ceasing ; rest 
assured that help can be found no where bat 
in Jesus Christ alone ; and if he now delays 
helping, he will finally succor thee. The 
woman prayed for her daughter, and she was 
made whole ; thou prayest for thy soul ; wait 
in faith, and it also shall be made whole ; for 
by his wounds we are healed. Is. 53. 

Think of the poor widow, who was ag- 
grieved by her adversary, and in great distress ; 
from whom was she to seek assistance? 
Nobody could relieve her but the judge of the 
city, who had power to relieve her if he would ; 
but he was so hard hearted that he neither 
feared God, nor regarded man. Now, what 
counsel for the poor widow? How shall I 



214 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

incline the hard-hearted judge to take my 
part ? she might have thought. But necessity 
compelled her ; she came came to him, and 
this was not enough ; she entreated him, say- 
ing, Avenge me of my adversary. But he 
would not. She entreated again, Avenge me. 
But he would not for a while. Then she 
might have had reason to despair ; she might 
well have thought, I must give up all for lost 
But no, she had not lost hopes ; she thought 
it would be worth while not to leave off cry- 
ing, Avenge me ! for she knew that as far as 
she could move him to compassion, so far she 
would obtain assistance, and that she could 
apply for help no where else but to him alone, 
as being the supreme judge of the city. Now 
what was the event? The widow impor- 
tuned him so much that he at length thought 
within himself, I will avenge her, lest by her 
continual coming she weary me. Luke 18. 

Distressed man, take this for thy consola- 
tion: The unjust judge condescended at 
length to avenge this poor widow on account 
of her continued entreaty; how much more 
will God who is not unjust, but righteous and 
merciful, avenge and bear long with thee, 
who criest unto him day and night. Yea, he 
will avenge thee speedily, says the Saviour. 
Verses 7, 8. 

The widow had to do with an unjust 
judge, but thou with a merciful God. The 
widow had no promise from the judge that 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 215 

he would assist her in her distress if she 
would ask him. 

But, poor sufferer, how many promises 
hast thou from God, in which they are all 
yea and amen, for he is righteous, and it is 
impossible for God to lie. By which thou 
hast a strong consolation and refuge, and 
shouldst lay hold on the hope which we have 
as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stead- 
fast, and which entereth into that within the 
vail: whither the forerunner is for us enter- 
ed, even Jesus, made a high priest forever. 
Heb. 6: 18, 19, 20. 

He promises, that whatsoever things thou 
desirest when thou prayest, if thou believest 
that thou receivest them, thou shalt have 
them. Mark 11 : 24. Matt. 21 : 22. John 
16: 24,25. He promises thee, that if thou 
seekest him with all thy heart, he will be 
found of thee. Jer. 29: 13. Remember the 
poor publican ; standing afar off he would 
not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, 
(he felt so unworthy in himself) but smote 
on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me 
a sinner. Hear the testimony of Christ, This 
man went down to his house justified rather 
than the pharisee, who had boasted of him- 
self so highly. Luke 18. 

III. 

Think of him who fell among thieves, and 
lay naked and half dead in his blood. A 



216 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

priest and a Levite passed by; they showed 
him no compassion, they applied no medi- 
cine, they did not bind up his wounds, but 
left him lying in his blood ; then might all 
hopes of life have been taken away or have 
entirely vanished. But it came to pass that 
a Samaritan, as he journeyed, saw him in his 
distress, had compassion on him, bound up 
his wounds, poured in oil and wine, set him 
on his beast and brought him to an inn, and 
took care of him. Luke 10. 

In this mirror behold the naked and half 
dead sinner, who has not wherewith to cover 
his nakedness. His righteousness is taken 
from him, his heart is wounded, his sins are 
as scarlet, (Is. 1 : 18,) he can no longer help 
himself, he requires the aid of another, he 
stands in need of medical assistance. Who 
renders it to him ? Not the Levitical priest- 
hood : no, they pass by, they show more in- 
clemency than favor ; it must be a merciful 
heart ; a heart thrilling with compassion 
and love ; a heart that knows and possesses 
the means necessary to heal a wounded sin- 
ner, to wash away the crimson stains, and to 
clothe the naked sufferer. Come, sinner, and 
see if thou canst not find all this in Jesus. 
He came down from heaven and journeyed 
through the world ; he passed along and saw 
thee (fallen man) polluted in thy own blood, 
and he said unto thee, when thou wast in 
thy blood, Live. For no eye pitied thee to 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 217 

to do any of these things unto thee, to have 
compassion upon thee ; but thou wast cast 
out in the open field to the loathing of thy 
person. Ezekiel 16. 

In this condition, fallen sinner, thy Sa- 
viour found thee ; he met thee thus in the 
field of the world, miserably smitten and 
wounded by the devil, who is a murderer 
from the beginning. There was no man 
who had power to assist thee: the law, with 
its Levitical priesthood, could not raise thee 
up nor wash thee ; Jesus alone was able by 
his salutary gospel to cleanse thy wounds 
with his holy water and blood, and bind 
them up with his gracious gospel. Luke 18 : 
1 9. He descended from his grace and placed 
himself under the curse of the Father, that 
he might redeem us from the curse, and 
bring us through grace to a state of glory, 
that is, to mount Zion and the city of the 
living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to 
an innumerable company of angels, to the 
general assembly and church of the first born, 
which are written in heaven, and to God the 
judge of all, and to the spirits of just men 
made perfect, &c. Heb. 12. And in this 
sacred inn and church on earth he has given 
some apostles, and some prophets, and some 
evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work 
of the ministry, for the edifying of the body 
of Christ Eph. 4: 11, 12. 



218 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

To these his apostles and teachers he has 
given his word and spirit, that they may 
nourish and administer to such weak chil- 
dren as are chosen by his grace, that they may 
all come to the unity of the faith and the 
knowledge of the son of God, against the 
time of his second coming, when he will re- 
ward every man according to his works. 

Therefore I repeat it, arise and come to 
thy Saviour. If thou canst not come as thou 
wouldst wish, sigh and pray to him; lo, he 
is not far from thee ; thou hast not to ascend 
into heaven to bring him down from thence, 
neither hast thou to descend into the deep 
to bring him up again from the dead ; for the 
word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in 
thy heart Rom. 10 : 6, 7, 8. 

Therefore, if thy soul is sick and wounded, 
thou canst find medicine in Christ ; if thy 
heart is bruised and broken, in Christ thou 
canst find a balm ; art thou imprisoned ? in 
Christ thou canst be free ; art thou smitten ? 
in Christ thou canst be set at liberty (Luke 
4: 18); art thou a cripple? behold, he has 
prepared an entertainment for «thee, where 
thou mayest taste the delicious fruits of the 
gospel ; standest thou yet in the highway or 
behind the hedges ? lo, he compels thee to 
come in (Luke 14); art thou weary and 
heavy laden with thy sins ? hearken, he call- 
eth thee, Come unto me, all ye that labor 
and are heavy laden,, and I will give you rest. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 219 

Matt. 1 1 : 28. Yea, he will refresh every 
weary soul, and every soul that is sorrowful 
he will replenish. Jer. 31 : 25. He will give 
unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the 
water of life freely. Rev. 21 : 6 and 22 : 17. 
Is. 55 : 1. John 7 : 37. 

Afflicted man, receive all this for thy con- 
solation, and strive manfully against the sug- 
gestions of satan. If he represents to thee 
the righteousness of God, represent to him 
Christ, thy ransom and reconciliation. If he 
would condemn thee, point him to Christ, 
thy justification", for who is he that con- 
demneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, 
that is risen again, who is even at the right 
hand of God, who also maketh intercession 
for us (Rom. 8) ; wherefore he is able also to 
save them to the uttermost that come unto 
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make 
intercession for them. Heb. 7: 25. 

Above all, take the shield of faith and the 
armor of prayer, wherewith thou shalt be 
able to quench all the fiery darts of satan, 
with which he endeavors to overwhelm thee. 
Eph. 6. David, in his despair, had said, I 
am cut off before thine eyes. But hear what 
he says again, Nevertheless thou heardest 
the voice of my supplication, when I cried 
unto thee. Ps. 31 : 23. The weapons that 
we must use against the enemy are prayer, 
confidence and hope in Christ ; it is he that 
treads under foot the serpent; he is the chief 

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220 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

and the conqueror ; he has blotted out the 
hand- writing that was against us, and slain 
the enmity. Col. 2. Eph. 2. 

Observe, dear man, this is a state of grace, 
in which we are chastened, humbled, and 
divested of all our own strength and ability, 
and in this manner looked upon as children; 
for if we are without chastening, we are bas- 
tards, and not sons. Heb. 12. And of this 
chastisement we are all made partakers; we 
must pass through this crucifixion before we 
become new creatures. 

IV. 

But the nigher we draw to this mystic 
death, the nigher we approach the life hid- 
den with Christ in God ; and when, at length, 
by the law, we become dead to the law, we 
are made alive in Christ, (Col. 2, chap. 3. 
Rom. 6: 5,) that Ave may bring forth fruit 
unto God. Rom. 7 : 4. In these sufferings 
we pass through the strait gate, where we 
put off the old man and put on the new man, 
which after God is created in righteousness 
and true holiness. Eph. 4. To this effect 
are the words of Paul, If any man be in 
Christ, he is a new creature : old things are 
passed away ; behold all things are become 
new. 2 Cor. 17. Here then the new man is 
born of the incorruptible seed of the word, by 
the power of Christ, (1 Pet 1 : 23,) and such 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 221 

new born babes desire the sincere (or una- 
dulterated) milk of the gospel, which flows 
from the breast of Christ, that they may grow 
thereby (l Pet. 2: 2); for they perceive now 
with Christ, that they live not by bread alone, 
but by every word that proceedeth out of the 
mouth of God. Matt. 4 : 4. This evangeli- 
cal word is then manifested to the soul in the 
light of Christ, so that she is enabled to see 
the mystery of the kingdom of God (Mark 4: 
11); and she becomes a tree that spreads its 
branches far and wide in the soul, so that 
the birds of heaven, or all our thoughts and 
purposes, come and lodge in them. Matt 
13 : 32. This is the treasure hid in the field 
of the heart, which the soul having found, 
rejoices excedingly. Matt. 13: 44, 45, 46. 
Through this evangelical truth the soul is 
sanctified, according to the supplication of 
Christ, Sanctify them through thy truth : thy 
word is truth. John 17. And the Holy 
Spirit ever leads the soul in the knowledge 
of the truth, (John 16: 13,) in consequence 
of which the soul is confirmed in faith and 
the love of God, and constantly draws from 
this vital fountain new grace and strength, 
which become in it a well of water springing 
up into everlasting life. John 4: 14. 

To this effect are these words of Christ, If 
ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, 
ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be 

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222 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

done unto you. Herein is my Father glori- 
fied, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be 
my disciples. John 15: 7, 8. 

Also, If ye continue in my word, then are 
ye my disciples indeed ; and ye shall know 
the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 
John 8: 31, 32. 

James speaks to the same effect. Lay 
apart, says he, all filthiness and superfluity 
of naughtiness, and receive with meekness 
the ingrafted word, which is able to save 
your souls. James 1: 12. 

This gospel of the Lord Jesus, or his word, 
is the seed, (Matt. 13,) and the plant which 
our heavenly Father plants in us, and which 
grows and takes deep root in the soul, being 
irrigated and fructified by the Spirit and love 
of Christ. The spirit distils upon the soul 
like the dew upon mount Hermon, love tin- 
ges and foments: so that this heavenly plant 
grows and increases by the influence of the 
Spirit and of love like a tree planted by the 
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit 
in his season : his leaf also shall not wither, 
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Ps. 
1. Jer. 17: 18. This is the branch in the 
vine Jesus, that bringeth forth much fruit, 
and which is constantly purged that it may 
bring forth more fruit. Such branches and 
members in Jesus are pure through the word, 
(John 15,) since they are begotten of his own 
will with the word of truth, that they should 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 223 

be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 
James 1:18. 1 Pet. 1:23. 

This new man or spiritual plant grows 
and lives through faith in Christ and his doc- 
trine ; for as the natural body cannot live 
without bread or nourishment, so, neither 
can the new man subsist without spiritual 
nourishment: and this spiritual aliment, or 
food for the soul, is the word or will of God, 
which is received by the soul through faith, 
and is converted by the Spirit into life ; for 
it is the Spirit that quickeneth, (John 6 : 63,) 
and this life is the light of the new man, 
(John 1 : 4,) and whosoever walketh in this 
light stumbleth not, because he seeth the 
light of the new and heavenly world. 

Here then applies the expression of Christ, 
My meat is to do the will of him that sent 
me, and to finish his work. John 4: 34. 
The life of the new man is that the soul do 
the will of Jesus and finish his work. This 
meat which nourisheth the soul, doth not 
perish but endureth unto everlasting life 
which the Son of man doth give. John 6: 
27. The same is expressed in these words, 
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my 
blood, hath eternal life ; and I will raise him 
up at the last day, for my flesh is meat in- 
deed, and my blood is drink indeed. He 
that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, 
dwelleth in me and I in him. John 6. This 

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224 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

the Jews and many of the disciples did not 
understand ; they therefore said, This is a 
hard saying, who can hear it ? When Jesus 
knew in himself that they murmured, he 
made this reply, It is the Spirit that quicken- 
eth, (mark) the flesh profiteth nothing ; the 
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, 
and they are life. And these spirit and life 
giving words of the Savior are the meat and 
strength of the soul ; therefore Peter, when 
Jesus asked him whether they also would go 
away, returned this answer, Lord, to whom 
shall we go ? thou hast the words of eternal 
life. 

The flesh of Christ is indeed our food, and 
his blood our drink, when we abide in him, 
and his words abide in us, as he himself tells 
us (John 15,) saying, If ye abide in me, and 
my words abide in you, ye shall ask what 
ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Here- 
in is my father glorified, that ye bear much 
fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the 
Father hath loved me, so have I loved you : 
continue ye in my love. If ye keep my 
commandments, ye shall abide in my love, 
even as I have kept my Father's command- 
ments, and abide in his love. 

The same is shown by the apostle John, 
who says, By this we know that we love the 
children of God, when we love God, and 
keep his commandments ; for this is the love 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 225 

of God that we keep his commandments; 
and his commandments are not grievous. 1 
John 5 : 2, 3. John 14 : 23, 24. 

From these and many other passages of 
scripture it is evident that the real meat of the 
soul is, that she should do the will of Jesus, 
and as he was always subject to his heavenly 
Father, and lived by him, so the soul should 
be subject at all times to her Saviour and live 
by Jesus. John 6 : 57. 

When Adam was created in the image of 
God, he was endowed with a living soul, 
and this divine and living soul had to be sub- 
ject to the will of God ; and in this subjec- 
tion to his will consisted its life ; but in case 
of opposition to the will of God and disobe- 
dience to his commandments, it had to suffer 
death. Gen. 2: 16, 17. 

Now, disobedience to God and his word is 
a meat by which the soul is killed in her di- 
vine nature; so again, submission to God 
and keeping his commandments is meat by 
which the soul is preserved in godliness unto 
everlasting life. David experienced this 
when he said, The law of the Lord is per- 
fect, converting the soul: the testimony of 
the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 
The statutes of the Lord are right^ rejoicing the 
heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, 
enlightening the eyes, &c. Ps. 19. Ps. 119. 

Yea, the commandment of the Lord enli- 
vens the soul and rejoices the heart; the 

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226 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

greatest joy of a renewed soul is to do the 
will of God according to the tenor of his 
commandments ; it is the meat that perishes 
not ; his word is bread to the soul ; the Spirit 
which (to all the unconverted) lies hid in the 
word, is the pure water ; by this word and 
Spirit the soul is supplied with food and 
drink unto eternal life. John 8:51 and 5 : 24. 
Beloved reader, whoever thou art, examine 
carefully thy own heart, and ask thy con- 
science whether thou hast traveled this way 
of repentance, and has pased through at the 
narrow gate, where thou hast lost thy own 
power and found the strength of Christ, 
where thou hast died to thyself and rose 
again with Christ, now walking with him in 
newness of life, as shown above ; if so, take 
heed and be not seduced from the narrow 
way ; hold fast to Jesus and his doctrine, for 
he is the true teacher, whom we should hear 
(Deut. 18: 15); he is the bishop of our souls; 
he is the way, the truth and the life ; and no 
man cometh to the Father but by him. John 
14: 6. Heb. 9. Heb. 7: 25. Heb. 10: 19, 
20. Eph. 2 : 18. He is given for a witness 
to the people, a leader and commander to the 
people. Is. 55:4. He is the true high priest, 
mediator and reconciler, the immaculate 
iamb of God that taketh away our sins, 
(John 1 : 29, 36,) having purchased us with 
his blood, (1 Pet. 1,) and purified us unto 
himself a peculiar people. Tit. 2: 14. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 227 



V. 

The highly .enlightened apostle Paul says, 
They have not all obeyed the gospel. Rom. 
10: 16. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath 
tjjelieved our report, and to whom is the arm 
of the Lord revealed? Isaiah 13. Ah, why 
so ? Because the natural man beholds in 
him no form nor comeliness, and when we 
see him, there is no beauty that we should 
desire him. He is despised and rejected of 
men ; a man of sorrows and acquainted with 
grief; and we hid, as it were, our faces from 
him : he was despised, and we esteemed him 
not The reason why so few men arrive at 
the knowledge of Christ, is, that he is found 
under the cross and in self mortification; 
therefore his word has no place among them, 
they understand not his speech, nor can they 
hear his word, (John 8 : 37, 43) ; but they 
become exasperated, as the Jews were, be- 
cause they prefer the honor of man to the 
honor that cometh from God. Therefore 
they shall be punished with everlasting des- 
truction from the presence of the Lord, and 
from the glory of his power, when he shall 
come to be glorified in his saints, and to be 
admired in all them that believe. 2 Thess. 
1 : 9, 10. r 

that all men would receive the sincere 
counsel of Christ, Enter ye in at the strait 

g6 



228 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

gate : for wide is the gate and broad is the 
way that leadeth to destruction, and (0 dread- 
ful !) many there be which go in thereat ; 
and strait is the gate (the old man goeth not 
in thereat, but the new man only) and nar- 
row is the way that leadeth unto life, (that is, 
the doctrine of salvation permits none but 
the new creature to walk therein) and few 
there be that find it. Matt. 7 : 13, 14. 

The first reason is that we must first be- 
come poor in spirit, and full of godly sorrow, 
clothed in humility and meekness in the 
presence of God, must hunger and thirst 
after Christ and his righteousness, extend 
mercy and forbearance unto all men, that so 
we way die through the law unto our own 
will, pride, lust and false righteousness, and 
be, like Adam before he became a living soul, 
in the hands of God as the lifeless clay of 
the potter ; then shall we, as being dead, hear 
the voice of the Son of God, and shall live. 
John 5 : 25. In this manner the gate of life 
is unfolded unto us by the love of Jesus, and 
the living way of faith laid open, (Heb. 9 : 
14,) so that we pass through from death 
unto life, (John 5 : 24,) and have peace with 
God through Jesus Christ. Rom. 5 : 1. 

But this is a hard task for flesh and blood, 
and one for which they have a vefy power- 
ful aversion ; hence there be so few that en- 
ter in at the gate of life, and so many that 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 229 

remain in the broad way of the flesh which 
leadeth to destruction. 

The second reason why the way is so nar- 
row and there be so few that find it, is that 
the doctrine of Christ cuts off from us all 
liberty of the flesh, and requires us to curb 
and restrain our passions and propensities, 
that we may be the light of the world and 
the salt of the earth ; our righteousness must 
exceed the righteousness of the scribes and 
pharisees ; our hatred must be changed into 
love, our resentment into forgiveness; our 
life must be holy and pure ; the carnal eye 
must be plucked out and cast away, that we 
may not look upon a woman to lust after hr, 
lest we have already committed adultery with 
her ; we must not rejoice in the folly and 
licentiousness of others ; for they who com- 
mit such things, and they who take pleasure 
in them, are equally criminal. Rom. 1 : 32. 
We should let no corrupt communication 
proceed out of our mouth, but that which is 
good to the use of edifying, that it may min- 
ister grace unto the hearers. Eph. 4:29. We 
should, above all things, swear not at all ; our 
words should be yea, yea, and nay, nay; 
whatsoever is more than these, cometh of 
evil. We must not resist evil with force, nor 
sue, contend and go to law about any earthly 
possession, knowing in ourselves that we 
have in heaven a better and an enduring 
substance. Heb. 10: 34. We should wil- 



230 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

lingly give and impart to men in necessity ; 
should love not only our neighbors as the 
ancient Israelites did, but also our enemies ; 
we ought to bless those who curse us, pray 
for them when they despitefully use us and 
persecute us. When we do our alms, we 
should not let the left hand know what the 
right hand doeth ; we should worship God 
in spirit and in truth, in the closet of our 
heart, not babbling with the mouth indepen- 
dent of the concurrence of the soul. We 
should fast without being of a sorrowful 
countenance, like the hypocrites. Our treas- 
ure should be laid up in heaven, not on earth ; 
thither should be directed the single eye of 
our mind. We should not serve two masters, 
but should cleave to God alone ; our hearts 
ought not to be surcharged with the cares of 
this world, but our cares should he committed 
to God. We should not judge indiscreetly 
without the word of God. We ought not to 
cast our holy things to dogs, nor our pearls 
before swine. In short, we must forsake all, 
father, mother, brother, sister, wife, children, 
house, lands, nay, even our own life, or we 
cannot be the disciples of Christ Jesus. Matt. 
10. Luke 14. [As all these brief citations 
have been in this book one after another, 
clearly illustrated by the scripture.] 

Behold, dear reader, this, this is the narrow 
way of self-denial; this is the way along 
which so few go and enter into life ; the rea- 



i 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 231 

son why many try to enter in and shall not 
be able, is, that they will not deny themselves 
and follow Christ Hence it comes to pass 
that many are called, but few are chosen. 
Matt 22: 14. Luke 13. 

VI. 

ye sanctified souls, who have passed 
through the strait gate, stand upon your guard 
and be anxiously careful that you do not, like 
Israel in the wilderness, acquire an aversion 
to this heavenly manna, namely the doctrine 
of Jesus Christ, which saveth the soul, lest 
your hearts lust again after the fleshpots of 
Egypt, which you already have left Num. 
1 1. Remember they fell ; the word preached 
did not profit them, (Heb. 4 : 2,) though they 
heard it, but they fell because of unbelief, 
(Heb. 3: 17 to 1£,) and did not obtain the 
promised inheritance. There is also a promise 
made unto us as well as unto them, not by 
Moses, but by the Son himself, not of a literal 
land and kingdom, but of a spiritual and 
everlasting kingdom. To this he has opened 
a way for us, and shown by the gospel that 
we should walk therein by faith in all obe- 
dience and submission ; that we should look 
unto him, and not suffer ourselves to be mis- 
led by those who walk according to their own 
opinions, resting satisfied with outward ordi- 
nances while they are destitute of the internal 
and only true life that proceeds from God, 



232 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

are not made partakers with Christ, and know 
not the mysteries of the kingdom of God, be- 
ing without reason greatly puffed up in their 
own vain conceits. Phil. 2. Such are false 
prophets, thieves and murderers of the soul, 
who climb up some other way, concerning 
whom Christ and the whole scriptures abun- 
dantly and earnestly warn us to flee and 
avoid them. 

Let every one take special care that he do 
not set up his own heart a leader in Christ's 
stead, as many do, desiring to be masters or 
teachers of the scriptures (through their own 
reason) ; understanding (in a proper light,) 
neither what they say, nor whereof they af- 
firm, (1 Tim. 1 : 7,) but let the Spirit of Christ 
be your pillar of fire, showing you the un- 
known way of truth, leading you through the 
savage wilderness of this world, and equipping 
you with the power of God, so that you may 
be mighty in the word of truth, prevailing 
against all the enemies of the soul, by the 
power of righteousness, on the right hand and 
on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil 
report and good report ; as deceivers, and yet 
true ; as unknown, and yet well known ; as 
dying, and behold we live ; as chastened, and 
not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; 
as poor,yet making many rich ; as having noth- 
ing, and yet possessing all things. 2. Cor. 6. 

thou small and chosen number of saints, 
who are called from all the ends of the earth 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 233 

with a holy call, hold fast humility ; for God 
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the 
humble. Take the doctrine of Christ ii: 
spirit and in power for your rule, and they 
shall be to your souls consolation and strength ; 
neither add nor diminish, but remain child- 
like followers. Follow no man further than 
he follows Christ and walks in his spirit ; for 
he that hath not the spirit of Christ, is none 
of his, (Rom. 8 : 9,) and if any man preach 
any other gospel than that which has been 
preached unto us long since by Christ and his 
apostles, let him be accursed. Gal. 1 : 8, 9. 

Benign reader, when thou readest these 
pages, thou mayst perhaps think, This is a 
hard saying, who can hear it John 6 : 10. 
My reply is, The person to whom this is a 
hard saying, cannot be indeed a disciple of 
Jesus ; and if he has even recognized Christ 
in part as his Messiah, yet he has not con- 
fessed him like Peter and the other apostles ; 
for did he so confess him, the following ac- 
knowledgment would naturally follow: Lord 
to whom shall I go ? thou hast the words of 
eternal life. Verse 68. For there is nothing 
else advanced here, as I hope to God, but 
eternal truth and the beatific doctrine of Jesus 
Christ, not in high sounding words of man's 
wisdom, but in the demonstration and power 
of the Spirit, and of a single heart, to the 
glory of God and my Redeemer Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



234 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Therefore, beloved man, whoever thou art, 
that makest thy boast of being a child of God, 
and conformest not to the doctrine of Christ, 
thy glorying is in vain, and thy faith a mere 
deceptive opinion, which will not stand in 
the presence of God (2 John, verse 9) ; and 
even if thou boastest of a remarkable conver- 
sion and renovation, of visions and revelations, 
of faith in Jesus and his love towards thee, 
of an angePs light, which, according to thy 
opinion, has shone upon thee, and the like, 
yet I say with Paul, If in appearance thou 
even exhibitest thyself as an angel from 
heaven, still thou art accursed or proscribed. 
Gal. 1. Otherwise all the following passages 
of scripture are of no effect. 

Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not 
in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. 2 
John, verse 9. 

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth 
not his commandments, is a liar, and the 
truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his 
word, in him verily is the love of God per- 
fected. 1 John, 2:4,5. 

Christ says, Ye are my friends, if ye do 
whatsoever I command you. John 15 : 14. 

Also, If ye love me, keep my command- 
ments. John 14 : 15. 

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall 
abide in my love. John 15 : 10. 

Also, If a man love me, he will keep my 
words ; and my Father will love him, and 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 235 

we will come unto him, and make our abode 
with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth 
not my sayings : and the word which ye hear 
is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 
John 14: 23, 24. 

For this is the love of God, that we keep 
his commandments ; and his commandments 
are not grievous. 1 John 5 : 3. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man 
keep my saying, he shall never see death. 
John 8 : 51. 

And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do 
not the things which I say ? Luke 6 : 46. 

Blessed are they that do his commandments, 
that they may have a right to the tree of life, 
and may enter in through the gates into the 
city. Rev. 22: 14. Rev. 14: 12. Rev. 12: 
17. Deut. 18. 

Here stands the irrevocable word of God, 
and will for ever stand. All who believe 
this with their whole heart, will bow, with 
faithful Abraham, to his word, in preference 
to their own reason, and be obedient in all 
things ; for we may with great propriety say, 
Here is shown unto us what is good and what 
the Lord requires of us, namely, to do justly, 
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with 
our God. Micah 6:8. I repeat it, All who 
fear God and truly believe his word, are un- 
willing to hold counsel with flesh and blood, 
but go forward with Paul and follow the 
heavenly light, Christ Jesus, in his word : and 



236 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

even if they have to lose on this account 
house, lands, wife, children, brothers, sisters, 
and even their own natural life by fire or 
sword, as God may permit, yet they would 
rather bear all this with joy, than wilfully 
transgress one of the least of God's command- 
ments. Of this my soul is convinced of God ; 
which also is abundantly testified by the nu- 
merous examples of the martyrs. 

Question : If it is as here represented, what 
are we to think of those men who pretend to 
a remarkable conversion, and appear to be 
enlightened, but who employ the magistrate 
to put the law in force against their debtors 
and sell their goods by the constable or sheriff, 
to a great disadvantage, making a great cost, 
merely, as they think, to obtain their own ; 
and further, for a small sum of money fre- 
quently continue in strife and litigation, 
having no regard to the cost, if they can only 
accomplish their end. Notwithstanding Christ 
says, If any man will sue thee at the law, and 
take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak 
also, (Matt. 5 : 40,) and of him that taketh 
away thy goods, ask them not again. Luke 
6 : 30. Answer : A man can in part be con- 
verted from his gross and heinous sins, and 
be brought by the light of Christ to a life of 
virtue, in which he may see his wretched 
condition, and * tremble thereat, and, for the 
time being, begin to conform his life and con- 
versation more and more to the tenor of the 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 237 

holy scriptures, which is a good beginning ; 
but the enemy of all good enters craftily into 
man's reason, and through the reason into 
the understanding, and having taken captive 
the understanding, which is now somewhat 
enlightened, gives here and there, (particulary 
where the scripture interdicts us entirely and 
brings us completely under self-denial) false 
interpretations and perverted constructions, 
as was done to Eve, Has God said so and so ? 
Should a person live so strictly ? Not at all, 
that has another meaning ; in this way a man 
could not get through the world, &c. If a 
person does not bring into captivity his rea- 
son to the obedience of Christ, (2 Cor. 10 : 5,) 
his reason brings the will into captivity ; and 
when it reigns over the will and the under- 
standing, then it goes on exactly to the wish 
of satan, who leads us further and further 
from God, the true light, by means of his false 
prophet (reason) teaching us out of the holy 
scriptures, but by perverting the plain sense 
of the same, particularly where they require 
strict self-denial and the mortifying of the 
deeds of the body : As to the rest he is satis- 
fied if we pray frequently, hold fine and 
religious exercises, give many alms, preach a 
great deal, and, as teachers of righteousness, 
point out to men repentance and faith in 
Jesus Christ ; if he can only set all in motion 
by reason, he is satisfied. For he is well 
aware that these his servants will not bring 



238 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

their hearers any farther than they are them- 
selves ; and when they have brought them 
thus far, they exalt them to heaven, and com- 
mend them as the blessed children of God : 
reason, by means of the magic or enchanting 
power of satan, produces this effect upon the 
carnal minds of the hearers, and elevates them 
to a tone of joy, so that they praise God for 
this grace, which they think (though erro- 
neously)^ have received from him. This is 
frequently to be seen at the present day, but 
particularly among the Methodists, though 
the fruit shows that they do not, in most in- 
instances, walk according to the doctrine and 
example of Christ, but rather in the fashion 
and mode of this world, although we ought 
not to mind high things, but should conde- 
scend to men of low estate (Romans 12 : 16) ; 
for whatsoever is high among men, is an 
abomination before God. 

In this manner the dragon gives power to 
the lamb-like beast in such men by their 
reason and natural ability to make fire come 
down from heaven ; that is, to preach right- 
eousness in a terrific manner to the atrocious 
sinner, so that it falls upon his heart like a 
burning fire, and throws him into anguish 
and distress for his sins, makes him call 
aloud, and cry out, and gives great signs of a 
real conversion. But these signs are given 
by the dragon to the lamb-like beast for the 
sole purpose of his deceiving those who dwell 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 239 

on the earth by means of the miracles he has 
power to do. Rev. 13. These are they who 
will come and say, Have we not prophesied, 
cast out devils, and done many mighty works 
in thy name ? (Observe : It was not Christ 
that performed these works through them, but 
they themselves, through the aid of a strange 
and magic spirit infused into them by the 
dragon, have by their own reason and self- 
ability done these wonders, as did the ma- 
gicians of Egypt.) Therefore Christ answers 
them, Depart from me, all ye workers of 
iniquity, I never knew you. Matt. 7. 

Therefore let every one remember that all 
conversions, not leading to a true imitation of 
Christ and an exact observance of his com- 
mandments, are impositions of the devil, are 
counterfeit coin which is not able to stand 
the test But as people are easily deceived by 
counterfeit coin, in consequence of its bearing 
a resemblance to the pure and unadulterated 
gold or silver, so inexperienced and credulous 
men, who have not yet found the true touch- 
stone, the word of God, may very easily be 
imposed upon by a false conversion, inas- 
much as it bears a resemblance to a genuine 
change of heart Therefore Christ says, Be- 
ware of false prophets, which come to you 
in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are 
ravening wolves. Matt 7 : 15. Behold, un- 
der the sheep's clothing of the gospel and 
under the fair appearance of conversion, this 



240 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

wolf has his seat, his enormous teeth mean- 
while being hid, he creeps into hoases, and 
leads captive silly women (that is, persons 
weak and inexperienced in the word of God, 
as regards the Spirit) laden with sins, led away- 
captive with divers lusts. 2 Tim. 3. that 
satan would exhibit himself in his own colors, 
then all would flee from him. that every 
teacher might see within himself what spirit 
he is a child of, then would men certainly 
beware. But now it is concealed from the 
world, and why ? Because they receive not 
the love of the truth, (namely, the beatific 
doctrine of Jesus Christ) that they might be 
saved ; and for this cause God sends them a 
strong delusion that they believe a lie, that 
they all may be damned who believe not the 
truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 
2 Thes. 2: 10, 11. 

Christendom, how art thou fallen ! 
thou fairest vineyard of the Lord, how art 
thou so deplorably spoiled by the cunning 
foxes, (Sol. Song 2 : 15,) and so shamefully 
laid waste by the faithless husbandmen ! 
Matt. 21. Behold, and see, if there be any 
sorrow like unto thy sorrow, which is done 
unto thee (Lamen. i : 12) ; for thy breach is 
great like the sea ; who can heal it ? Thy 
prophets have seen vain and foolish things 
for thee ; and they have not discovered thine 
iniquity, to turn away thy captivity. Lam. 2 : 
13, 14. The city of peace lies waste, all its 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 241 

uniformity is destroyed ; thou art divided into 
numerous sects, and scattered abroad in per- 
verted opinions ; for thou hast forsaken thy 
true head, and despised the doctrine of truth ; 
therefore thou liest imprisoned in Babel, and 
by thy apostacy hast become a mighty Babel. 
It might with propriety be said of thee as was 
said by the prophet concerning Judah, (Jerem. 
11: 13,) According to the number of thy 
cities (or religions) are thy goods ; and ac- 
cording to the number of the streets of Jeru- 
salem, (or according to the number of ways 
thou teachest besides the true way of life) 
hast thou set up altars to that shameful thing, 
even altars to burn incense unto strange gods. 
return, thou backsliding Israel, (or Chris- 
tendom) saith the Lord, and I will not cause 
mine anger to fall upon thee ; for I am mer- 
ciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep 
anger for ever; only acknowledge thine in- 
iquity that thou hast transgressed against the 
Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways 
to the strangers (or strange doctrines) under 
every green tree (or every mode of worship in 
which the flesh can live in pleasure) ; and 
hast not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord. 
Jer. 3 : 12, 13. But as the Lord constantly 
sent his prophets to hard-hearted Judah and 
Israel, reproved them of their idolatry, and 
warned them to repent, and still all. was of no 
avail till wrath at length came upon them, 
and the Lord removed them away from his 



242 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

sight ; so, I am afraid, it will be with thee, 
Christendom! for the Lord has constantly 
sent thee at all times witnesses of his truth, 
and reproved thee on account of thy idolatry ; 
but thou wouldst not hear, continually per- 
sisting in idolatry and false doctrine ; and this 
was not enough, but thou hast despised those 
who were sent unto thee ; which thing thou 
dost even at this day. Therefore, I fear, thy 
plagues will come in one day, death, and 
mourning, and famine; and thou shalt be 
utterly burnt with fire : for strong is the Lord 
God who will judge thee. Rev. 18:8. 

But to you especially, ye sincere and up- 
right souls, is my serious exhortation, that ye 
may truly look unto Jesus, the author and 
finisher of your faith, and exercise great cir- 
cumspection, lest you be deceived either from 
within or from without ; for even now is the 
time when, if it was possible, the very elect 
might be deceived. Matt. 24. Therefore 
look not unto yourselves, nor unto any man, 
but unto Christ and his doctrine, and ask of 
him wisdom and acknowledge; as James 
says, (chap. 1 : 5,) If any of you lack wisdom, 
let him ask of God, who giveth to all men 
liberally, and upbraideth not ; and it shall be 
given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing 
wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave 
of the sea driven with the wind, and tossed. 
For let not that man think that he shall re- 
ceive any thing of the Lord. Christ says, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 243 

What things soever ye desire when ye pray, 
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall 
receive them, (Mark. 1 1 : 24. Matt. 21 : 22) ; 
for all these things are possible to him that 
belie veth (Mark 9:23); and what is impossible 
with us, is possible with God. Matt. 19 : 26. 
Therefore embrace Christ in true faith, and 
receive with meekness the ingrafted word, 
which is able to save your souls (James 1 : 
21); it teaches you the true way to life, it is 
a lamp to your feet, it rejoices your heart and 
enlightens your eyes (Ps. 19,) through the co- 
operating grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, so 
that you may avoid all the snares of satan 
and learn to know all false prophets ; for no 
man is able to pluck you out of his hand, 
(John 10,) if you only abide in him, and his 
word in you, (John 15: 7,) and the same be 
written in you with the Spirit of the living 
God, (2 Cor. 3: 3. Jer. 31 : 33,) that your 
only work may be to do the will of Jesus, and 
finish (not your own, but) his work. John 
4 : 34. Lo ! this is the imperishable meat 
which endureth unto everlasting life (John 
6 : 27) ; hence abide in the doctrine of Christ, 
(and even if all men were opposed to you) 
you have both the Father and the Son, and 
shall with him be more than conquerors 
through him that loved us, so that neither 
death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, 
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to 
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other 



244 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

creature, shall be able to separate you from 
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. 
Rom. 8. 

Eternal Light ! illuminate 
Who call upon thee soon and late, 
Who unde r sin's most grievous load, 
Sigh unto thee, gracious God ! 
Have mercy on them, make them free 
Erom all their sins eternally. 

Renew them in thy image pure, 

Give them faith's shield both strong and sure, 

As likewise light around to see, 

That they may ne'er diverted be 

From path of truth so plain and even, 

Till they arrive in yonder heaven. 

Though Christendom in deep disguise 
While here on earth may them despise, 
grant thy path they e'er may see, 
And always follow after thee. 
Jesus, do thy flock preserve, 
That they may never from thee swerve. 

In present time with troubles rife, 
Where brethren live in constant strife, 
And 'gainst each other judgment found, 
Though there is no sufficient ground, 
It does from self and party come, 
wo, thou fallen Christendom ! 

Remove this evil, blessed Lord, 
Both by thy spirit and thy word, 
As thou at the apostles' time, 
Didst Jews and Gentiles all combine, 
So now, Lord of heaven true, 
Join all in one who thee pursue. 

And bring them, thou Shepherd Great ! 
Into one herd, I thee entreat; 

make thy truth to all appear, 

grant that all may lend an ear, 

That by its bright illuming gleam, 

The day on many hearts may beam ! 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 245 

That antichrist may bo revealed, 
Who in sheep's clothing, is concealed, 
Weak souls prepared to captivate, 
Oppressed with sins and vices great, 
Made by deceit and falsehood blind, 
That they may Jesus never find. 

Awake, awake, ye children good, 
Observe how the great multitude 
The prophet false and beast adore, 
Desire the word of God no more. 
Hence on your guard assiduous stand, 
The Son of man is nigh at hand. 

The signs move on with rapid speed, 
Let us poor mortals all take heed, 
That at the coming of the Lord, 
He may us find upon our guard, 
And say, Ye children come with me, 
And spend a blest eternity. 



CHAPTER NINTH. 

Embraces a portion from the loth verse to the end of the 
chapter, wherein it is explained how a person must know 
the false prophets and try them by the doctrine of Christ. 
It contains, in addition, a call to the teachers of the present 
day, as also to the common people. 

Gentle and pious reader, we will now pro- 
ceed to the conclusion of this sermon, and 
see how plainly Christ shows us that all who 
hear this his doctrine, or these sayings (which 
he declared unto the people in his discourse 
on the mount) and do them, are likened unto 
wise men who build their house upon a rock, 
which remains firm. But they who hear 
and do not, are likened unto foolish men, 
and their house or Christianity will not stand, 
since it is built upon sand, or the opinions of 
men. 

Now our salvation consists in the love of 
God and in keeping his commandments, so 
that we have a rule laid down, by means of 
which we are enabled (if we have received 
the spirit which is concealed in the scripture 
from the natural man) to distinguish the dis- 
ciples of Jesus from the disciples of the 
pharisees. Christ did not do his own will, 
but the will of his Father who sent him. 
John 5 : 30. John 4 : 34. In like manner 
his disciples did not do their own will, but 
the will of Jesus Christ; for the Holy Ghost, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 247 

says Christ, shall receive of mine and shall 
show it unto you. John 16 : 14, 15. 

But it was quite different with the phari- 
sees ; for they thought it no great matter to 
transgress the commandments of God with 
their traditions (Matt. 3: 6); their disciples 
must likewise live according to their tradi- 
tions, or they will be excommunicated. John 
9: 22. John 12: 42, 43. 

The former condition obtains in regard to 
all true disciples of Jesus and messengers of 
God; they have ever the same mind that 
was in Christ, (Phil. 2: 15,) they know his 
voice and follow him, (John 10,) they show 
whatsoever they have heard in the beginning 
from Christ and his apostles and all the holy 
prophets, and walk therein even as Christ 
himself walked (l John 2: 6); for they are 
ambassadors in Christ's stead, announcing 
the instructions they received from the Lord. 

But the contrary is the case with all who 
still walk in the footsteps of the old phari- 
sees, who do not hesitate transgressing the 
doctrine of Christ by their own traditions, 
teaching things which they ought not for 
filthy lucre's sake (Tit. 1 : 11); and this is no 
wonder, for the devil has by his cunning craf- 
tiness brought measures to such a pass, that 
Christianity has become, in most instances, 
among the great sects, a mere outward pro- 
fession, which one man learns from another; 
for if a person studies a certain length of time 



248 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

in a seminary of learning, and in his exami- 
nation gives evidence that he has become a 
proficient in the theology or form of religion 
established by a particular sect, he is consti- 
tuted a teacher, and must then preach accord- 
ing to the model prescribed to and learned 
by him, and not according to Christ and his 
doctrine ; for so soon as he would do this, he 
would be excommunicated after the manner 
of the pharisees of old. Therefore Christ 
says, Beware of false prophets which come 
to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they 
are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them 
by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of 
thorns, or figs of thistles ? Even so every 
good tree bringest forth good fruit ; but a cor- 
rupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good 
tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can 
a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every 
tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn 
down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by 
their fruits ye shall know them. Matt. 7 : 
15 to 20. 

My dear reader, since then Christ has 
pointed out to us the fruit as an infalli- 
ble sign by which we are enabled to 
find out and know the wolf concealed 
in sheep's clothing; so we must possess 
something also by which we may try the fruit 
and see whether it is good or evil, namely 
the Spirit and doctrine of Christ Unless 
we have the Spirit of Christ we cannot try 



i 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 249 

any man by the doctrine of Christ 5 for it is 
to us a mystery, being concealed from our 
earthly understanding. Wherefore it is a 
difficult matter ta give to earthly, indocile 
and frivolous men any instruction respecting 
the difference between true and false proph- 
ets. Nevertheless by the help of God I will 
come to a more particular consideration of 
the subject: I am well aware that if I crush 
the cockatrice's eggs hatched by the false 
prophets, a viper will break out against me, 
but if I eat them 1 must die Is. 59: 5. There- 
fore I would rather fall into disrepute with 
them and retain the favor of God, than pos* 
sess their favor and subject myself to the re- 
sentment of God; for they can do no more 
than kill the body, but God has power to 
destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt, 
10: 28. 



Christ says, (John 10,) Verily, verily I say 
unto you, he that entereth not by the door 
into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some 
other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 
But he that entereth in by the door is the 
shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter 
openeth 5 and the sheep hear his voice : and 
he calleth his own sheep by name, and lead- 
eth them out. Observe now, dear reader, 
Christ is the door of the sheep, (verse 7,) the 
sheepfold is his church, Christ is the door or 



250 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

strait gate through which all christians must 
enter into the sheepfold or church of God, 
(as I have frequently shown in this little 
work.) If now all christians must enter by this 
door into the church of God, how much more 
then a teacher, whose duty it is to watch the 
sheep. To him must the porter (the Holy 
Spirit) open, that he may know the mysteries 
of the kingdom of God, in order to feed his 
flock, taking the oversight thereof, not by 
constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, 
but of a ready mind ; neither as being a lord 
over God's heritage, but being an ensample 
to the flock. 1 Pet. 5 : 2, 3. 

But whosoever climbs up another way, 
without a real change of heart, and the true 
renewing and illumination of the Holy Spirit 
through the revelation of Jesus Christ, and 
having ascended the pulpit by means of his 
school divinity and learned acquirements, 
preaches that which he has learned as an 
outward profession by his reason and the 
wisdom of man, which is folly with God ; 
the same is a thief and a robber ; he robs 
God of his honor; he runs where he is not 
sent; he covers himself with sheep's clothing, 
while the wolf sits in his heart, and not 
Christ ; therefore he is a thief and a robber ; 
he does nothing but steal, kill and destroy 
(verse 10); he promises men liberty, while 
he himself is a servant of corruption (2 Pet. 
2: 19) ; he says, Peace, peace, where there is 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 251 

no peace, and pollutes the name of God 
among the people for handfuls of barley and 
for pieces of bread ; he slays the souls that 
should not die, and saves the souls alive that 
should not live, (Ezek. 13,) according to the 
custom of the false prophets of old, who were 
very numerous in all ages of the word, not to 
mention the heathen priests, but among the 
chosen people of God; and the number of 
the pious was at all times very small : and if 
this applied only to those times, then, in our 
opinion the evil would not be so great. But, 
pious reader, take an unprejudiced view of 
Christendom through the medium of the 
scriptures, and see whether a person does not 
find fewer righteous in our day than in those 
times. Is there not reason to lament with 
Jeremiah, chap. 8. This people of Christen- 
dom slides back by a perpetual backsliding, 
they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. 
I hearkened and heard, but they spake not 
aright : no man repented him of his wicked- 
ness, saying, What have I done? Every 
one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth 
into the battle, &c. 

II. 

But to return to our purpose, we will ex- 
amine the doctrine of Christ, and compare it 
with the doctrine of our present preachers, 
and see how they agree with each other, that 



252 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

every one may the more easily distinguish 
the true from the false teachers. 

I have already shown if a teacher does not 
enter in by Christ the door, pass thus from 
death unto life, and receive his office from 
the Holy Ghost, (Acts 20 : 28,) but climbs up 
some other way, that such a one is a thief 
and a robber, a prickly thorn, from which a 
person can gather no grapes, and a sharp and 
stinging thistle, from which he can collect 
no figs. For he is yet unregenerated, his 
evil nature is still alive, the wolf has posses- 
sion of his heart ; he cannot entirely conceal 
himself when a person approaches and lays 
hold of him, under his sheep's mantle, with 
the word and spirit of Christ, and endeavors 
to expose him to the view of other men 
whom he has held a long time in blindness. 
Ah how soon will he then show his wolf 
teeth, how soon one can see that he is a 
prickly thorn and a stinging thistle. Such 
were the pharisees : outwardly they appear- 
ed beautiful unto men, but within they were 
full of uncleanness and dead men's bones. 
What one among the people of the Jews 
could believe this in regard to their doctrine, 
particularly when they lived in strict exter- 
nal piety ? But Christ looked further than 
the exterior sheep's clothing; he dectected 
their hypocrisy and exposed their base de- 
ception to the view of all the people, and 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 253 

pronounced the most dreadful woes upon 
them, without paying any respect to the ap- 
pearance of external piety; but how soon 
did the wolf display himself! They looked 
with indignation and wrath upon Jesus, and 
had no rest till they brought him to the 
cross ! 

So now, who among the so named chris- 
tians can believe that the greatest number of 
the teachers of the present time are similarly 
circumstanced with the former ? Ah, there 
are few who believe this ; for they suppose, 
if a person preaches from a scriptural text, he 
teaches the word of God ; he may live al- 
most in such manner as to him appears 
proper, yet he is considered as a preacher of 
God's word, which he is not: for if he has 
the whole scripture by heart, and is not a par- 
ticipant of the spirit which lies concealed in 
the scripture or word of God, he does not 
preach the word of God, and indeed cannot; 
for John says, He whom God hath sent 
speaketh the word of God. Paul says, We 
have received, not the spirit of the world, but 
the spirit which is ol God, that we might 
know the things that are freely given to us 
of God. Which things also we speak, not in 
the words which man's wisdom teacheth, 
(mark) but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; 
comparing spiritual things with spiritual: 
But the natural man receiveth not the things 
of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness 



254 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

unto him ; (mark) neither can he know them, 
(if he cannot know them he cannot teach 
them) because they are spiritually discerned. 
1 Cor. 2. 

III. 

A teacher of this description, having inde- 
pendent of the Spirit of God, ascended the 
pulpit according to the manner and form es- 
tablished by any sect, is able by his preach- 
ing, baptism and communion, to make others 
such christians as he himself is. For if a 
person can recite the chief articles of the cat- 
echism, and understands a little of the letter, 
he is, as soon as confirmed, received as a 
good christian, being rendered already by 
baptism a child of God. After this he may 
live as he pleases; if he only attends church 
and receives the communion regularly, all is 
well. Behold now, in this manner the sects 
(I will not say churches) are propagated by 
hereditary succession, but not by the Spirit : 
in this manner the communicants are consol- 
ed as though they were good christians, at 
the same time that they are ignorant of Christ 
as regards the power ; he is avowed merely 
by an outward profession and an earthly 
knowledge of the letter of the scripture ; and 
such inexperienced persons form to them- 
selves such a conception of Christ as the 
Mahometans do of Mahomet, thinking they 
shall be redeemed through him, or as other 



i 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 255 

heathens do of their dumb idols, though they 
do not possess the power of godliness ; this 
is shown to be the case by their spiritless, 
proud, vain, carnal and licentious life, to- 
gether with lies and deceit, dancing and 
playing, cursing and swearing, fornication 
and adultery, and the like sins and vices. 
Ah, were they truly baptised christians, then 
all these sins would be done away, and the 
fruit of the Spirit would manifest itself to all 
the world, which is love, joy, peace, long suf- 
fering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, 
temperance, righteousness, and truth. Gal. 
5 : 22. Eph. 5:9. But the former are the 
fruits of the flesh which the false prophets 
bring forth : inasmuch as they are themselves 
carnal and not spiritual, they bring forth car- 
nal christians ; for that like produces like is 
a law of nature : that which is born of flesh 
is flesh, and that which is born of spirit is 
spirit. John 3 : 6. It follows incontestably 
that if a teacher is born of God, and appoint- 
ed to his office by the spirit of God, and 
Christ speaks and operates by him, his doc- 
trine must penetrate the heart, and bring 
forth fruit: and what is the fruit? When 
Peter, actuated by the spirit of the Lord, 
opened his mouth, and announced the cruci- 
fied Saviour on the day of pentecost, his 
words pierced their hearts and they cried out, 
Men and brethren, what shall we do ? Then 
burst forth the tears of repentance, then they 

h2 



256 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

gladly received the word, not the word of 
man, but the word of God ; then were they 
baptised in the faith of the operation of God, 
(Col. 2 : 12,) the whole company were of one 
heart and mind, there was heavenly harmony, 
the rich condescended to men of low estate; 
one was not subject to another, but distribu- 
tion was made unto every man according as 
he had need. Acts 2 and 4. These are the 
blessed fruits of the gospel, made known by 
the true messengers of God ; but where do 
we see such fruit among those who boast of 
being christians at the present time? Ah, 
rather the contrary. Wherefore we may with 
propriety say of these unregenerated teachers, 
in the words of the prophet, They weave the 
spider's web, but it shall not become a gar- 
ment, neither shall they cover themselves 
with their works ; their works are works of 
iniquity, and the act of violence is in their 
hands. Is. 59: 6. 

IV. 

For this reason I will now consider their 
doctrine as compared with the doctrine of 
Christ and the apostles, not excepting any 
particular sect. Let every one examine and 
try his own work by the doctrine of Christ 
First, Christ expresses himself in these words; 
I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with 
his brother (without a cause) shall be in 
danger of the judgment, and whosoever shall 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 257 

say to his brother, Raea, shall be in danger 
of the council, but whosoever shall say, Thou 
fool, is in danger of hell fire. Matt 5 : 22. 
Dear reader, reflect deeply upon this in the 
fear of God, and see whether many teachers 
do not uphold a doctrine the very reverse of 
that contained in this passage. For many 
support the opinion that it is right for Chris- 
tians to go to war, and kill and destroy one 
another with swords and deadly weapons. 
Reflect. 

2. Christ says, A new commandment 1 
give unto you, That ye love one another; as 
I have loved you, that ye also love one 
another. By this shall all men know that 
ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to 
another. John 13: 34,35. Now mark. 

But these teachers say, Be manly and va- 
liant in fight, stand firm in defence of your 
country, and fear not ; trust in God, and if 
you fall, die like heroes and christians. And 
to imprint this thoroughly into their minds, 
they usually administer the sacrament to 
them previously to their taking the field, that 
they may perhaps be the more certain of a 
happy result. false comforters, who act 
thus in opposition to Christ and his doctrine! 

Christ says, Love one another, as I have 
loved you. Now did not Christ lay down 
his life for his sheep ? John 10. And ought 
we not to lay down our lives for the brethren 

h3 



258 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

or fellow christians? 1 John 3: 16. Doubt- 
less, if we are real christians. For whoso- 
ever hateth his brother (not even killing 
him) is a murderer: and ye know that no 
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 
Verse 15. 

Now Christians (as they are considered) 
hate one another, though when they do even 
this, they have not eternal life abiding in 
them ; much less can they have eternal life, 
when they, not only hate, but wage war, kill, 
destroy, and exterminate, make widows and 
orphans, and this by the encouragement of 
their teachers. Oh reflect and consider! I 
presume thou canst easily observe the wolf 
in sheep's clothing, of which Christ has 
warned us, that we should beware. Is not 
every true christian constrained with the 
prophet to say respecting such teachers, 
There is a conspiracy of the prophets in the 
midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening 
the prey: they have devoured souls; they 
have taken the treasure and precious things; 
they have made many widows in the midst 
thereof, &c. Ezekiel 22 : 25. 

3. Christ says, I send you forth as sheep 
in the midst of wolves. Matt. 10: 16. But 
what shall the sheep of Christ do in the 
midst of the wolves ? Shall they oppose, 
kill and destroy them ? Ah no ! They will 
much rather flee, as Christ their Shepherd 






THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 259 

enjoined upon them, saying, When they per- 
secute you in this city, flee ye into another. 
Verse 23. 

But these men, under the cloak of Christ, 
oppose not only Turks or Heathens when 
they are chased by them from city to city; 
but christian opposes christian, each endeav- 
oring to destroy the other; wherefore it is 
evident that they are not real christians, but 
rather antichristians. For he that gathereth 
not with Christ, scattereth abroad. Matt. 12: 

30. Luke 11: 23. 

Here doubtless will be brought in as an 
objection the instructions of Paul to the Ro- 
mans, Let every soul be subject to the higher 
powers, &c. Rom. 13. I answer, If kings 
and magistrates are christians, why do they 
not fulfil this commandment, Thou shalt 
love thy neighbor as thyself, seeing it is one 
of the greatest commandments? Mark 12: 

31. For love worketh no ill to his neighbor 
and is the fulfilling of the law, says Paul. 
Rom. 13 : 9, 10. If all (the so named) chris- 
tian rulers lived in obedience to this law of 
love, and did, according to the command- 
ments of Christ, unto others as they would 
wish others to do unto them, which is the 
law and the prophets (Matt. 7: 12. Luke 6: 
31,) then all war and fury, and garments 
rolled in blood, would inevitably become 
fuel for the fire, (Is. 9,) and there would be 
peace on earth. But so long as self-interest 

h4 



260 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

is the moving principle among the mighty- 
ones of the earth, as well as among those of 
inferior rank, there is little else to be hoped 
for but contention and war; self-interest in- 
satiable in itself, exerts a powerful influence 
upon men of inferior station, the sphere of 
whose action is very limited ; much more 
then is this the case with men of the highest 
order; for possessed of power, they think it a 
light matter for thousands to perish by the 
sword, and vast numbers of their poor sub- 
jects to be reduced to misery with their fam- 
ilies, merely that they may enlarge somewhat 
the boundaries of their dominions, and pre- 
serve untarnished their honor and their fame; 
so that we may join the prophet in his lam- 
entation, Her princes in the midsjt thereof (in 
Christendom) are like wolves ravening the 
prey to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to 
get dishonest gain, (for which this is the 
greatest reason) her. prophets have daubed 
them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, 
and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus 
saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath 
notspoken. Ezekiel22: 27,28, Micah3: 3,4. 
ye martial spirits, teachers and all, who 
approve of the shedding of blood upon the 
battle field, and endeavor to establish the 
propriety of it by the gospel of Jesus Christ, 
which above all things publishes the glad 
tidings of peace; so much so that the angels 
descended from heaven at the birth of our 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 261 

Saviour, proclaimed peace, and in fulness of 
joy cried out, Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace, good will towards men 
Luke 2 : 14. But you, who represent your- 
selves as evangelical and spiritual teachers of 
righteousness, and ambassadors in Christ's 
stead, carry notwithstanding the sword in 
your mouth, if not at your side, (the inno- 
cent are not to be included) inciting men to 
deeds of slaughter and desolation. Christ 
said to his disciples, Peace I leave with you, 
my peace I give unto you. John 14: 27. 
Now it is evident that you have not received 
this peace, or you could not proclaim any- 
thing but what is consistent with peace, as 
was the constant practice of the apostles in 
all their epistles. Rom. 13: 8, 9, 10. 1 Cor. 
1; 10. 1 Cor. 13. Gal. 5: 13, 14, 15. Eph. 
4. Phil. 2: 2. Phil. 1 : 27. Col. 3. 1 Tim. 
1: 5. 1 Pet. 1: 22. 1 John 3. Ch. 4.. 
Heb. 13: 1. James 2: 8. James 4. 

Oh ye men, should not the irrational sheep 
or the harmless doves sufficiently convince 
you that your doctrine is erroneous ? For if" 
you w r ere to try to set a flock of sheep a fight- 
ing so that they might kill and destroy one 
another, you could not accomplish your pur- 
pose, and you would have as little power to 
instigate them against their enemies, the 
wolves, from which they would immediately 
flee. In like manner the dove does not con- 
tend with the hawk, but flies from him.. 

h5 



262 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Should not these harmless animals, by which 
christians are represented, be enough to make 
you ashamed in the presence of God, and 
convince you that you have never yet been 
made partakers of the lamblike disposition 
of Jesus ; should you not then discover of 
yourselves, that you have climbed up some 
other way, and are therefore thieves and 
robbers ? 

Christ rebuked his disciples when they 
desired to pray for vengeance as Elias had 
done under the law, and said, The Son of 
man is not come to destroy men's lives, but 
to save them. Luke 9 : 55, 56. Ought you 
not, who boast of being the children of God, 
to do likewise ? Ah no, this would not be 
consistent with your honor ; you are hired 
servants and must therefore still serve in the 
old way, even though it may be contrary to 
the gospel of Jesus Christ. But alas! when 
you appear before the judgment seat of Christ 
and give an account of your stewardship, 
then it will be hard for you to resist the 
stings of a guilty conscience; then will you 
be speechless, because you did not put his 
gospel to better account, and ye shall hear, 
Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, I 
know you not. Matt. 7: 23. 

For Christ says, Ye shall not resist evil. 
Matt. 5 : 39. You declare the contrary. 

Christ says, Love your enemies, bless them 
that curse you, do good to them that hate 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 263 

you, pray for them who despitefully use you 
and persecute you, &c. Verse 44. 

Remember, all these passages of scripture 
will be your judges on that day, and will 
condemn you who teach the contrary; since 
the words that he has spoken shall judge 
men in the last day. John 12: 47, 48. 

5. Christ says, If any man will sue thee at 
the law, and take away thy coat, let him 
have thy cloak also (Matt. 5 : 40) ; and give 
to every man that asketh of thee; and of him 
that taketh away thy goods ask them not 
again. Luke 6: 29, 30. Here we are ex- 
pressly forbidden by Christ to contend with 
any man, or go to law about any thing, even 
the necessaries of life, as is sufficiently illus- 
trated in the third chapter of this work. 
However, this I may add, that there are 
many in our days, teachers and others, who 
do not approve of war or the outward sword, 
professing to be defenceless men ; but when 
it comes to the sword of the law, and any 
one tries to deprive them of their goods, then 
they have resort to force and employ it as 
much as the others who approve of the out- 
ward sword. Now I know not whether a 
person can excuse them much better than 
the others ; for christians to march forth with 
swords and weapons against christians, as 
also against their greatest enemies, is in di- 
rect opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ ; 
this is an irrefragable fact capable of being sub- 

h6 



264 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRKOK. 

stantiated by numerous passages of scriptura 
Christians are also as clearly and explicitly 
forbidden by Christ to sue, go to law, and 
repel force by force, as they are interdicted 
the employment of the outward sword. For 
if any person does me an injury, and I am 
a follower of Christ, he informs me, Thou 
shalt not resist evil. If I shall not resist, I 
must, like Job, bear it with patience, and 
do good to him that injured me, and pray for 
him sincerely, because he has despitefully 
used me and persecuted me. And if I pray 
for him, I must from my heart forgive him 
his faults committed against me, as God, for 
Christ's sake, has forgiven me the faults I 
committed against him. Col. 3: 13. Ofthis 
Christ set us an example, when on the cross 
he prayed for his enemies, Father, forgive 
them, for they know not what they do. 
Luke 23: 24. Peter says, Render not evil 
for evil, or railing for railing : but contrari- 
wise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto 
called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 
Pet. 3 : 9. Paul, likewise, says, See that none 
render evil for evil unto any man (1 Thess. 
5 : 15) ; [no man is excepted] ; also 1 Cor. 6 : 
7. There is utterly a fault among you, be- 
cause ye go to law one with another: why 
do ye not rather take wrong ? why do ye not 
rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded ? &c. 
Also, Rom. 12: 21, Be not overcome of evil, 
but overcome evil with good. This is the 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 265 

evangelical rule for christians, by which they 
ought to regulate their walk and conversa- 
tion. But whosoever hears this self-denying 
doctrine of Christ, and does it not, because 
it is opposed to his carnal mind, shall hear 
from Christ, Thou art likened to a foolish 
man who builds his house on the sand, which 
will not stand in the day of trial. 

ye litigious men, who employ force 
against one another, not only in war, but in 
lawsuits and arbitrations, as far as in you 
lies, being often vexed that you cannot carry 
it to greater extent: how can you with a 
clear conscience offer up that part of the 
Lord's prayer, Forgive us our debts as we 
forgive our debtors? Or, as Luke has it, 
Forgive us our sins : for we also forgive 
every one that is indebted to us, Matt. 6 : 
12. Luke 11: 4. Ought not your con- 
science to check you when you repeat, For- 
give us as we also forgive ? If God should 
forgive and deal with you as you deal with 
those who are indebted to you, bringing them 
before the court or casting them into prison ; 
then, that which you ask of him every time 
you pray that he shall do unto you as you 
do unto them, is this, that for the sins you 
have committed against him he shall bring 
you to judgment, and cast you into the prison 
of hell. Remember now, that if ye forgive 
not men their trespasses, neither will God 
forgive your trespasses, (Matt. 6: 15,) and 



266 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

with what measure you mete, it shall be 
measured to you again. Matt. 7 : 2. 

6. Christ says, Swear not at all, &c, but 
let your communication be, Yea, yea ; Nay, 
nay : for whatsoever is more than these, eom- 
eth of evil. Matt. 5. James speaks in a 
similar manner. Chap. 5: 12. 

But this doctrine is by many not regarded, 
but rather opposed by passages of scripture 
perverted from their true sense; though 
Christ has expressly forbidden all christians 
to swear, and James earnestly reminded his 
brethren of the same thing. But it is not 
necessary to give a further exposition in this 
place, since it is sufficiently explained in the 
third chapter. Consult it with deliberation. 

Dear reader, by all this thou art enabled to 
perceive the fact, that antichrist has sat for a 
long time in the temple of God, where, ac- 
cording to the ordinance of the Father, Christ 
alone should sit, having ventured to set up 
his own law in opposition to Christ and his 
doctrine; his motions were clandestine in the 
days of the apostles, but now the mystery of 
iniquity is revealed, (2 Thess. 2,) not to all 
men, but to whomsoever it is given. 

V. 

A true teacher is an ambassador in Christ's 
stead, publishing and upholding the commis- 
sion of the Lord Jesus: he is steward of the 
mysteries of God, having received his trust 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 267 

from God without money and without price 
(Is. 55: 1. Matt. 10: 8. Rev. 22: 17. 
Rev. 21: 6); he ought therefore, out of pure 
love, without money and without price, to 
oversee the household of God on earth, giv- 
ing them instructions in regard to the mode 
of conducting themselves in all the precepts 
of the gospel ; as the example of the apostles 
plainly shows us, so that Paul, speaking of 
himself, says, Yea, wo is unto me if I preach 
not the gospel ! For if I do this thing wil- 
lingly, I have a reward : but if against my 
will, a dispensation of the gospel is committ- 
ed unto me. What is my reward then? 
Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may 
make the gospel without charge, that I abuse 
not my power in the gospel. 1 Cor. 9:16, 
17, 18. Christ, likewise, says, Freely ye have 
received, freely give. Matt. 10: 8. Peter 
also speaks to the same purpose : Feed, says 
he, the flock of God which is among you, 
taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, 
but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a 
ready mind; neither as being lords over 
God's heritage, but being ensamples to the 
flock. 1 Pet. 5: 2, 3. 

Dear reader, take now a view (together 
with the testimony of the apostles) of those 
teachers who will not teach unless they have 
a fixed salary of from a hundred to two thou- 
sand dollars a year, and some even more, for 
their preaching : if, after serving one congre- 



268 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

gation for a time, a greater sum is offered 
them by another, they immediately take 
leave of the former under pretense that God 
has called them to minister in another place, 
as experience abundantly testifies. ye 
bewitched men, consider what kind of teach- 
ers they are who minister to you. Are they 
not of those whose god is their belly, and 
whose glory is their shame? Phil. 3: 19. 
Are they not of those who receive the reward 
of unrighteousness, counting it pleasure to 
riot in the day time? Are they not spots 
and blemishes (in the gospel)? Do they not 
sport themselves with their own deceivings, 
while they feast with you, &c? 2 Pet. 2. 
Are they not real hirelings, who serve you 
for wages or for the sake of their belly, and 
not out of love? John 10. Are they not of 
those who cry Peace, (and bless you) if you 
give them something to bite (and permit them 
to live luxuriantly upon your goods) ; but 
who prepare war against him that putteth 
not into their mouths ? Micah 3 : 5. Are 
they not of those who feed themselves, and 
clothe themselves in your wool, (Ezek. 34,) 
and make broad their phylacteries and en- 
large the border of their garments, love the 
uppermost rooms at feasts and the chief seats 
in the synagogues, greetings in the market, 
and to be called of men Rabbi, Rabbi ; who 
devour widow's houses, and for a show make 
long prayers ? the same shall receive greater 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 269 

damnation. Matt. 23. Mark 12. Luke 20: 
46, 47. 

Ah reader, reflect upon this in the fear 
of God ; for Christ declares, Be ye not 
called Rabbi : for one is your master, even 
Christ; and all ye are brethren. Matt 23: 
8. Paul says, I have coveted no man's sil- 
ver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves 
know, that these hands have ministered unto 
my necessities, and to them that were with 
me. I have showed you all things, how that 
so laboring ye ought to support the weak ; 
and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, 
how he said, It is more blessed to give than 
to receive. Acts 20. 

But what will the hireling and mercenary 
preachers say to this ? Doubtless they will 
bring in this objection, The scripture says, 
Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox 
that treadeth out the corn; or, if we have 
sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great 
thing if we shall reap your carnal things ; or, 
they who preach the gospel should live of 
the gospel. 1 Cor. 9. 

My answer is, that these passages of scrip- 
ture ought not to be so flagrantly abused, nor 
made use of as a cloak of unrighteousness, 
but should be understood according to their 
true meaning and import; for they were 
written that the disciples might perceive the 
reasonableness of their bearing such love to- 
wards their teachers when preaching the 



270 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

gospel as in return to impart to them of their 
temporal goods according as necessity may 
require, supplying them, out of disinterested 
love, with meat and drink ; for the workman 
is worthy of his meat (Matt. 10: 10): and 
thus they can live of the gospel. For evan- 
gelic love inclines their brethren and disciples 
to provide food and drink for them, and makes 
them prompt in supplying them with what- 
soever they stand in need of, so that they 
assist in bearing their burdens, and by the 
exercise of love fulfil the law. Rom. 13:8. 
But as regards the teacher, if he is a teacher 
from God, it always remains as mentioned 
above, He has received freely from God, he 
should freely give ; not for filthy lucre, but of 
a ready mind ; neither as being lord over 
God's heritage, (extorting their money from 
them, as many do at this day) but being en- 
samples to the flock, in much patience, in 
afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in 
stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, 
in watchings, in fastings ; by pureness, by 
knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, 
by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the 
word of truth, by the power of God, by the 
armor of righteousness on the right hand and 
on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil 
report and good report ; as deceivers, and yet 
true ; as unknown, and yet well known ; as 
dying, and, behold, we live ; as chastened, and 
not killed ; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing ; 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 271 

as poor, yet making many rich ; as having 
nothing, and yet possessing all things (2 Cor. 
6) ; they must be all things to all men ; must 
be full and yet endure want, high and yet of 
low estate, and be able to do all things through 
Christ that strengthened them. Samuel, the 
prophet, called God and the people to witness 
that he had taken neither gold nor silver, ox 
nor ass, nor any other thing as a bribe (1 
Sam. 12) ; Paul also testifies his integrity in 
the following passages: Acts 20: 33, 34. 1 
Cor. 4:11, 12, ch. 9. 2 Thess. 3: 7. 8. 

This now is the fruit, nature and disposi- 
tion of a teacher sent from God ; he must go 
and minister wherever he is sent of God, 
without making any inquiries about the salary 
he is to obtain for his service ; for his salary 
and conversation are in heaven, (Matt, 6 : 20. 
Phil. 3: 20) ; his reward is in heaven (Matt 
5 : 12) ; his inheritance is in heaven. 1 Pet. 
1 : 4. He does not burden his mind with 
anxious cares about what he shall eat, or what 
he shall drink, or what he shall put on, but 
he casts his care upon him who called him ; 
for his Father in heaven knoweth that he has 
need of all these things. Matt. 6. If from 
christian feelings and brotherly affection there 
is something administered to his necessities, 
he receives it as an acceptable contribution, 
and sends up heartfelt praises to God for the 
blessing (2 Cor. 9) ; not that he desires the 
gift from a spirit of cupidity, in order to spend 



272 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

an easy indolent life, but merely for the relief 
of his wants ; for he knows that it is more 
blessed, if it can be done, to give unto others, 
than to receive from them without necessity. 

Therefore, my readers, see how deplorably 
you permit yourselves to be misled by your 
teachers, who, for their own interest and self 
gratification, place cushions under your arms 
and pillows under your heads, leading cap- 
tive your souls by means of perversions and 
misrepresentations, so that you consider them 
true teachers, instructing you aright in the 
word of God, and know not that you are 
travelling a wrong course, till I fear it is too 
late, unless you take the scripture in your own 
hands, in the fear of God, and learn by the 
wisdom which descends from on high, the 
good and acceptable will of the Lord. 

Ah, if there were at the apostles' time many 
who were enemies of the cross of Christ, 
whose god was their belly, how much more 
numerous, do you not suppose, such teachers 
are in our day, when Christendom lies in 
perfect confusion or desolation, nay, is changed 
into a spiritual Babel. If there were even in 
the apostolic age false apostles and deceitful 
workers, who transformed themselves into the 
apostles of Christ, yea, ministers of satan, who 
transformed themselves as preachers of right- 
eousness, (2 Cor. 11 : 13, 14, 15,) how much 
more abundant are they in our time, when 
the unclean spirits came out of the mouth of 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 273 

the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, 
and out of the mouth of the false prophet, the 
spirits of devils working miracles, which go 
forth unto the kings of the earth, and of the 
whole world, to gather them to the battle of 
that great day of God Almighty. Rev. 16. 
Awake ye who yet sit in darkness and are 
hungry, who are drunk with the wine of the 
whore of Babylon : for the day of her judg- 
ment is near at hand. Ah wo then to all who 
have the mark of the beast, and carry on 
commerce with the merchants of Babylon, 
who think that godliness is gain, and for the 
gratification of their appetites make merchan- 
dise of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which on 
the contrary should be received from every 
one without money and without price. Is. 
55. Ah, I counsel you with Christ Jesus to 
beware of wolves that come in sheep's cloth- 
ing, it being easy to distinguish by their fruits 
what spirit they are children of; for they are 
thieves and murderers of your souls ; they 
enter in some other way than by Christ, the 
door ; their voice the sheep of Christ do not 
know, but flee from them ; but how few in 
our day take this to heart ! how few look unto 
Jesus, the way, the truth and the life, except 
by whom no man can come unto the Father. 

VI. 

The church of Jesus Christ is not built up 
and propagated by hereditary succession, as 



274 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

carnal Israel in the figure, or as the sects at 
the present time are propagated by virtue of 
descent, under outward ordinances, destitute 
of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost, but it consists of those who are not 
born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, 
nor of the will of man, but of God. These 
are the branches and members of Christ, that 
bring forth the fruits ot the Spirit, love, joy, 
peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, 
faith, meekness, temperance, (Gal. 5: 22)) who 
meet their enemies, not with the sword, but 
with love ; who give the cloak also rather 
than sue and go to law for the coat ; who 
overcome evil with good ; who follow Christ 
and bear his cross, crucifying their own flesh 
with the affections and desires thereof, walk- 
ing in self-denial as he walked, and keeping 
his commandments, as he also kept his 
Father's commandments. In short, they are 
living stones built up by the Spirit of Christ, a 
spiritual house and priesthood to offer spirit- 
ual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus 
Christ. In such souls consists the church of 
Christ, but not in carnal men, who walk in 
the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and 
the pride of life, who hate and envy, lie and 
deceive, and live not only in secret but in 
open sins; which thing prevails to an amaz- 
ing extent in the so-named Christendom, so 
that a pious person is astonished to think that 
men, living in such abominations, should 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 275 

boast of being christians, when it expressly 
says, Let every one that nameth the name of 
Christ depart from iniquity (2 Tim. 2: 19); 
whosoever committeth sin, is of the devil, 
for the devil sinned from the beginning. Now, 
Paul would not that we should have fellow- 
ship with devils; therefore all who desire 
salvation, go out from the community of such 
men, and separate yourselves from them; 
for ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and 
the cup of the devils ; ye cannot be partakers 
of the Lord's table and the table of devils ; or 
do ye provoke the Lord to jealousy ? are ye 
stronger than he ? 1 Cor. 11. For the Lord 
will not smell in such solemn assemblies, 
he has no pleasure in their offerings or 
their supper, he will not hear the noise of 
their songs and the melody of their viols 
(Amos 5) ; yea, when they make many prayers 
he will not hear them. All the prophets and 
men of God perceived this by the Spirit of 
the Lord, and separated themselves from all 
the strange worship and idolatry of carnal 
minded Israel, reproving them on that ac- 
count ; these men we highly extol for their 
steadfastness. But to do like them is very 
little countenanced at the present time. In 
like manner the reformers who departed out 
of Babylon are held in great admiration ; but 
why do ye speak the praises of them, while 
you yourselves are sitting at ease in a new but 
equally great Babylon ? The reason is, that 



276 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

you are destitute of the light which they pos- 
sessed ; for if the same light was spread 
abroad in your souls, you would see as great 
a Babylon as the former ; you would be no 
longer able to remain at ease in Babylon, but 
you would flee out of her, lest you might be 
made partakers of her punishment But be- 
cause the false doctrine or the dark smoke 
from the bottomless pit has obscured the 
sun of the gospel or the true doctrine, it is to 
you strange and incomprehensible ; for you 
have turned away your ears from the truth, 
and turned unto cunning fables, have heaped 
unto yourselves teachers having itching ears, 
(2 Tim. 4 : 3,) that you may go in the broad 
way of a carnal, unrestrained life, not think- 
ing that the end is destruction. For I fear 
that many of you are so misled by false con- 
structions and delusions, as to think you know 
and believe the truth, when at the same time 
you are believing a lie. 2 Thess. 2: 10, 11. 
Ah, it is high time that every one should 
awake ; for not all who in ill-founded belief 
say, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom 
of heaven, but they that do the will of the 
Father. They who hear the doctrine of Christ 
and do it, build upon an immovable rock, 
which shall stand forever; but all who live 
after the flesh, must die. For to be carnally 
minded is death, as has been shown several 
times already. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 277 

VII. 

Dear reader, in Christ Jesus neither circum- 
cision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, 
neither baptism nor the Lord's supper, nor 
any other means, but a new creature. Gal. 
6:15. This must first be wrought in us by 
the power of God, before we are qualified to 
render God a reasonable service. Therefore 
let every one beware, and suffer not himself 
to be deceived by such false comforters as 
persuade you, saying, you are regenerated in 
baptism, or that the new birth is effected 
without your knowledge, if you only attend 
to the outward duties of religion, and more 
such false consolations. Ah no, they deceive 
your souls ; rest assured, the new birth is not 
effected without your being aware of it ; for 
it is an essential changing of the whole man ; 
it is a real manifestation of the Son of God in 
the soul, after we have been beaten, bruised, 
and broken under the hammer of the law, 
crucified to our sins in the old man, and 
mortified and dead in our own power, good 
works and false righteousness, so that we lie 
dead before God, as clay in the hand of the 
potter ; then and not till then will God mani- 
fest his Son in us, and quicken us together 
with him, that we may bring forth fruit no 
more unto death but unto God, and serve him 
in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness 
of the letter. Rom. 7. Could these things 
come to pass without our knowledge ? Ah 



278 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

no ! for we are compared to a woman in tra- 
vail ; when her hour is come she suffers great 
anguish, but after the birth she forgets all her 
anguish for joy that a man is born into the 
world. So with us : at the time of the new 
birth we suffer the anguish of death and 
judgment on account of our sins ; but after- 
wards we are filled with joy and consolation 
on account of the grace of Christ, and the 
justification of our sins ; so that the joy then 
overcomes all the tribulation and anguish. 
This the souls on the day of pentecost expe- 
rienced, also Paul, the jailer, the eunuch, and 
Cornelius and those that were with him, as 
also all those who have been born of God 
even unto this day, which is evinced by daily 
experience. 

Pious and gentle reader ! since Christ tells 
us to try the teachers as well as all other men 
by their fruits, we have a criterion by which 
we know what spirit they are children of; 
for if they are children of God, they are also 
followers of God ; they execute the commands 
of God ; they speak, not in soft words to 
please men, but they try to please God who 
trieth their hearts. (1 Thess. 2) ; theirdoctrine 
is no other than the doctrine of Christ and 
the apostles; their walk is in conformity with 
the walk of the former ; their doctrine is in 
the power of the spirit, not with words which 
man's wisdom teaches, but with words which 
the Holy Spirit teaches ; their household or 



\ 

THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 279 

church which is entrusted to their care they 
preserve pure and clean ; agreeably to the 
ordinance of Christ they expel him that doeth 
evil ; them that sin they rebuke before all, 
that others also may fear; (l Cor. 5:2. 2 
Thess. 3: 6, 14. 1 Tim. 5: 20,) they are 
faithful watchmen and good shepherds ; they 
flee not, when the wolf in sheep's clothing 
enters the flock in order to perplex and dissi- 
pate their minds with deceitful words and 
false doctrine ; as the apostles testify in many 
places; (Gal. 1. Gal. 2: 45. Acts 15. 2 
Cor. 10: 10, 11,) they stand, having their loins 
girt about with truth, and having on the 
breast-plate of righteousness; their feet are 
shod with the preparation of the gospel of 
peace ; and above all they have taken the 
shield of faith wherewith they are able to 
quench all the fiery darts of satan, and over- 
come the world and all the subtile spirits 
under heaven ; they have living hope as the 
helmet of salvation which constantly pre- 
serves them from disgrace; they have the 
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 
by which they transfix the hearts of the im- 
penitent, even to the dividing asunder of soul 
and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and 
to the discerning of the thoughts and intents 
of their hearts ; together with all this equip- 
ment they send up prayer and supplication 
unto him who is their strength and their 
power, for themselves and for all saints ; that 



280 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

they may in all things be conquerors, bearing 
away the palm of everlasting victory. Eph. 
6. Heb. 4: 12. Paul exhorts the faithful 
Ephesians to put on this armor of God, that 
they might be able to withstand in the evil 
day, and having done all to stand. If now 
all the faithful require this armor in order to 
insure victory, how much more a teacher ; 
if all christians must enter in by the door into 
the sheepfold, how much more a teacher ; if 
all christians ought to have the mind that was 
in Jesus, how much more a teacher who is 
an ambassador in Chrises stead, and a stew- 
ard of the mysteries of God. For a good tree 
cannot bring forth evil fruit ; neither can a 
corrupt tree bring forth good fruit ; that is, 
an unregenerated teacher cannot bring forth 
fruit pleasing to God, or conducive to the 
salvation of men. For not having entered 
by the door, not having passed from death 
unto life, he can do nothing but steal, kill and 
destroy ; and even if he has the key of know- 
ledge (that is, a stupendous mind and an en- 
lightened understanding) to the kingdom of 
God, yet he enters not in himself, and those 
that would enter in, he prevents (since he 
prophesies, casts out devils, that is, brings 
vicious and daring sinners to a more virtuous 
life, and thinks, on that account, that he does 
great works in the name of Jesus.) For sucb 
a one is considered by the most of people as 
a true teacher of God ; and they pay more 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 281 

regard to him than to Christ and his doctrine ; 
his words are more current with such be- 
witched men than the word of Christ ; what 
he speaks must be spoken from heaven, as 
may easily be seen at the present day. There- 
fore Christendom has become like the apos- 
tate Jews, whose land was filled with false 
prophets and faithless shepherds, by whom 
they suffered themselves to be led, and whose 
word they believed in preference to the word 
of the Lord, even though the pen of the 
scribes was in vain ; for lo, saith the Lord, 
they have rejected the word of the Lord; and 
what wisdom is in them ? Jer. 8 : 8, 9. 
ye sons of men, is it not a lamentable circum- 
stance that you do not more carefully consider, 
and in the fear of God reflect upon the doc- 
trine of Christ, which was brought down from 
yonder heaven, seeing his words shall stand 
as judges of us all. come and look once 
more in this mirror of his divine discourse; 
I would place this divine mirror before you 
once more, in which, if possible, you might 
see your shape, and no longer dream of a 
self-imagined happiness, while salvation is 
not to be obtained out of Jesus and his doc- 
trine ; for wo unto them who obey not the 
gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear 
fellow-man, whoever thou art, teacher or 
layman, examine whether thy soul is made 
partaker of the eight different blessings, as 
shown in the first chapter. May Christ call 



282 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

thee the light of the world and the salt of the 
earth ! Does thy righteousness exceed the 
righteousness of the scribes and pharisees ? 
Is thy hatred changed into love and thy envy 
into forgiveness ? Is thy life pure and chaste ? 
Hast thou plucked out thy carnal eye, so that 
thou dost not any more covet thy neighbor's 
house, nor thy neighbor's wife, nor his man 
servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor 
his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's ? 
Art thou able to rejoice no more in the folly 
of others, but in God alone, the Supreme 
Good ? Is it thy greatest pleasure that thy 
conversation be with grace, edifying the 
hearers ? Dost thou hold it as a duty incum- 
bent upon thee to swear no oath whatever, but 
to confirm thy testimony with Yea, yea, and 
Nay, nay? For whatsoever is more than 
these, cometh of evil. Thou darest no longer 
resist evil by force; thou darest not sue and 
go to law for any temporary possession, 
knowing that thou hast in heaven a better 
enduring substance. Hebrews 10 : 34. Thou 
oughtest therefore to give and impart willingly 
to the poor and the distressed ; thou shouldst 
love not only thy neighbor, but thy enemies 
also ; bless when they curse ; pray for them 
when they despitefnlly use thee and persecute 
thee; thou shouldst do thy alms so that the 
left hand may not know what thy right hand 
doeth ; thou shouldst in secret worship God 
in spirit and in truth, not uttering with the 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 283 

mouth what the heart findeth not; thou 
shouldst fast without being of a sorrowful 
countenance, like the hypocrites ; thou 
shouldst have thy treasure in heaven and not 
on earth ; the single eye of thy mind must be 
constantly directed thither, for thou canst not 
serve two masters, but must cleave to God 
alone ; therefore thou must not charge thy 
heart with the cares of life, but commit all 
thy cares unto God ; thou must not judge by 
thy reason without the word and spirit of 
God ; thou shouldst not give holy things to 
dogs, nor cast thy pearls before swine', but 
thou shouldst in all things imitate Christ and 
his doctrine, walk as he set thee an example, 
love him and keep his commandments. Dear 
reader, all this thou wilt do if thou hast the 
spirit of Christ; and his other commandments 
thou wilt not neglect, such as baptism, the 
supper, feet washing, and all the rules of the 
Christian Church, and when thou hast done 
all these things, thou must confess of thyself 
thou art an unprofitable servant, thou hast 
done nothing more than what was thy duty 
to do. 

Dear man, behold thyself, I repeat it, in the 
above mirror ; for it is nothing less to thee 
than Christ's own precepts. Canst thou here 
say with the psalmist, The statutes of the 
Lord are right, rejoicing the heart ; more to 
be desired are they than gold, yea, than much 
fine gold ; sweeter also than honey and the 



284 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

honey comb. Moreover, by them is thy ser- 
vant warned ; and in keeping them there is 
great reward. Ps. 19. Blessed are they that 
do his commandments, that they may have 
right to the tree of life, and may enter in 
through the gates into the city. Rev. 22 : 14. 
And see now with what a conclusion Christ 
ends his sermon, where, before he makes the 
final close, he points out to his disciples by 
the strait gate and the narrow way, the man- 
ner in which they should walk ; after this he 
gives us a faithful warning to beware of false 
prophets that come in sheep's clothing, or an 
outward appearance of piety, but within are 
ravening wolves: by their fruit are we to 
know them. Their doing great miracles and 
wonders in his name, is not sufficient grounds 
for us to consider them as sent from God ; 
we must first be satisfied that they hear the 
doctrine of Christ and do it. For whosoever 
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth 
them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who 
built his house upon a rock ; and the rain de- 
scended, and the floods came, and the winds 
blew, and beat upon that house ; and it fell 
not : for it was founded upon a rock. And 
every one that heareth these sayings of mine, 
and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a 
foolish man, who built his house upon the 
sand : and the rain descended, and the floods 
came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that 
house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 285 

Behold and tremble, ye teachers and build- 
ers, who build not upon Christ and his 
doctrine, but walk in your own opinions, 
teaching for doctrines the commandments of 
men : since you have not kept the word of 
his patience, how will you stand in the hour 
of temptation, which shall come upon all 
the world, to try them that dwell upon the 
earth. Rev. 3:10. You read, and with car- 
nal ears hear the doctrine of Christ, and yet 
do not hear it ; you see and know by his 
unheard of miracles, that he is Christ, the 
Saviour of the world, and yet you see and 
hear him not: otherwise you would believe 
and follow him. You say, (like the Jews) 
We are christians ; but Christ may answer, 
You are not, but rather the synagogue of sa- 
tan. Rev, 2: 9. For the kingdom and 
church of Christ is a kingdom of love and 
peace : as Paul says, If any man seem to be 
contentious, we have no such custom, neither 
the churches of God (l Cor. 11: 16); for 
where envying and strife is, there is conten- 
tion and every evil work, and is not the wis- 
dom which descendeth from above, but which 
is earthly, sensual, devilish. James 3. Real 
Christians do to one another as they would 
wish to be done to ; no man seeks his own 
but every man another's wealth (l Cor. 10: 
24) ; but how little of this virtue is to be 
seen now among those who style themselves 
christians. Alas, one finds in almost all 



2b 6 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

places the very reverse of this ; every one 
has to take heed of his neighbor, and is afraid 
to trust in any brother, for every brother will 
utterly supplant, and every neighbor will 
walk with slanders ; and they will deceive 
every one his neighbor, and will not speak 
the Jruth (when it conflicts with their own 
interest) : they have taught their tongues to 
speak lies, and weary themselves to commit 
iniquity. Ah, their habitation is in the midst 
of deceit : through deceit they refuse to know 
me, saith the Lord. Shall I not visit them 
for these things ? saith the Lord : shall not 
my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 
Jer. 9. Ah, sinful nation, a people laden 
with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children 
that are corrupters ; they have forsaken the 
Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of 
Israel unto anger, they are gone backward. 
Why should ye be stricken anymore? ye 
will only revolt more and more. Isaiah 1. 
Ah, reader, is not this the case ? Has not 
God scourged our land already in various 
ways, with war, with dry seasons, and es- 
pecially with sickness and death ? But we 
see as yet no reformation, but rather a back- 
sliding; unrighteousness increases from day 
to day; pride, dissipation and extravagant 
living are constantly gaining ground : lies 
and deceit, fornication and adultery, thefts, 
murder and manslaughter abound more and 
more, the turning away to unrighteousness 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 287 

with lying signs and wonders, becomes con- 
stantly greater ; both priests and prophets are 
deceivers, teaching a false worship ; they cry 
Peace, peace, when there is no peace. Well 
may the Lord say, I have often chastened 
you, but what did it avail? The wicked 
children contemn the rod. Ah, a person 
might prophesy with the prophet and smite 
his hands together; for a two-fold punish- 
ment shall come, and this wickedness shall 
at length be revenged (Ezek. 21: 13,14); 
unless they repent in sackcloth and ashes, as 
Nineveh did, give ear unto Christ and follow 
his instructions: for unless this is done, the 
fabric of our religion will fall, and we shall 
see, too late, that our labor is lost, and our 
end everlasting perdition. 

Ah reader, hereby we must try ourselves 
and all teachers, whether we believe all the 
words of Christ, and do them, not with our 
own, but with his strength, in the fear of 
God, or whether we receive one part and 
neglect the other, transgressing his command- 
ments by our own traditions, as did the phar- 
isees. Matt, 15: 3, 6. If this is the case, 
our worship is sheer hypocrisy; wherefore 
Christ says in conclusion, Whosoever hear- 
eth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, 
I will liken him unto a wise man, &c. To 
hear and do is divine wisdom ; to hear and 
not to do is human folly. To hear aright is 
not merely to hear with the outward ear but 



288 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

with the ear of the heart, the doctrine of 
Christ falling not only on the ear but in the 
heart, as living seed ; at first like a sharp sword 
that the heart may be pierced as on the day of 
pentecost, in the same manner that a plow 
breaks up the ground and makes it ready to 
receive the seed : then they that gladly received 
his word, were baptised, it says. Acts 41. 
A pierced and broken heart receives the word 
of God gladly, that is, he receives it with the 
intention of doing it; for he perceives the 
statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the 
heart, his commandments pure, enlightening 
the eyes, &c. Ps. 19. Therefore Christ an- 
swered satan, Man shall not live by bread 4 
alone, but by every word thatproceedeth out 
of the mouth of God. Matt 4 : 4. Deut. 8 : 
3 Wisdom 16 : 26. This seed continues to 
grow by faith in a child-Jike obedience of the 
word ; for grace makes the word fruitful in 
the soul and brings a man with his sinful 
affections under the control of the word; the 
word with grace teaches him to deny himself, 
take up his cross and follow Christ; grace 
with the word helps him to accomplish this, 
bringing all to a glorious consummation. 
The word of promise is the anchor of the 
soul ; (Heb. 6 : 18, 19,) grace is the cable by 
which through faith the soul is kept fast to 
the word, so that the heavy storms and mighty 
waters of temptation, and the violent tempests 
of hell cannot prevail against nor destroy this 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 289 

spiritual building; (Is. 43 : 2,) for it is founded 
upon the rock and the immovable word 
which shall stand unshaken when heaven 
and earth have passed away. Matt. 24 : 35. 
Ah reader, observe and try the spirits, 
whether they are of God ; for all pretended 
holy spirits are not divine spirits ; not every 
one who is able td speak finely of conversion 
is really converted; a Saul can be annointed 
of the Lord and receive a new heart, and af- 
terwards despise the word of the Lord and 
be rejected; (1 Sam. 15,) a Jehu can be zeal- 
ous against the idolatry of Ahab and Jezebel, 
and yet take no heed to walk in the law of 
the Lord with all his heart, and to depart 
from the sins of Jeroboam: (2 Kings 10: 31,) 
and so a man can be in part converted and 
be zealous against gross sins and idolatry, 
and yet not walk with all his heart in the 
doctrine of Christ, even as there may be seen 
at this day great preachers of repentance and 
conversion, but very little following of Christ 
and his doctrine, very little of real humility 
of heart and christian meekness, very little 
denying of their will and bringing into cap- 
tivity their reason to the obedience of Christ.. 
2 Cor, 10: 5. Ah, what avail such conver- 
sions, or what end do they promote ? Cer- 
tainly no other than this, that by their good 
words and fair speeches they deceive the 
hearts of the simple; (Rom. 16: 17, 18,) for 
they corrupt the word of God, and speak it not 



210 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 

of sincerity (2 Cor. 2: 17); they are the 
haughty saints whom the Lord will put 
a\ ay. Zeph. 3: 11. remember, to hear 
tlu word of God and not to do it, is a mere 
bin ding upon sand ; and to build upon sand 
maj cost almost as much labor as to build 
upon a rock ; and at last, when all itffinished, 
there is nothing done. The foolish virgins 
weir out to meet the bridegroom, they aban- 
dons d their carnal rest and security, they de- 
si] ed to go in with Christ to the wedding, 
they carried their lamps as well as the wise, 
they made outward confession of Christ, they 
were virgins handsomely adorned with exter- 
nal piety, they slept sweetly and securely, 
not being the least apprehensive of missing 
the feast. But, lo, when the bridegroom 
came, they, for the first time, discovered their 
folly; their lamps went out! They desired 
oil of the wise, but they obtained it not ; the 
door was closed against them. They called 
out in vain, Lord, Lord, open unto us ! But 
he answered, Whence are ye ? I know you 
not. Matt, 25. Oh remember, these virgins 
might just as well have staid at home, all 
their labor and pains were lost. Now, in 
this are represented such half converted men 
as have in part come from darkness to light, 
but have not entirely turned from the power 
of satan to God, and in consequence have 
not received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who 
would guide them into all truth, and bring 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 291 

into their remembrance all things whatsoever 
Christ has said, John 14: 26. John 16: 13. 
Therefore, awake, awake, repent and re- 
form, lay hold on Christ and follow his doc- 
trine ; be no longer led by your blind guides, 
lest you fall with them into the ditch; they 
daub the wall with untempered mortar, 
(Ezek. 13,) saying, Here is the temple of the 
Lord, the temple of the Lord, or in other 
words the church of the Lord, which has 
stood for many years. Ah, what advantage 
was it to Israel, when they had filled Jerusa- 
lem with their sins, that the name of the 
Lord had dwelt there in former times? 
Behold the once magnificent city has become 
a pile of stones! In like manner what ad- 
vantage will it be to you that the glory of 
the Lord dwelt, in former times, in the midst 
of your churches, if you have filled them 
with your sins, and go now in the broad 
way of the flesh, whose end is destruction ? 
how deplorably have almost all sects and 
denominations turned away from apostolic 
love ! How widely have they departed from 
their primitive regulations ! Then were Jews 
and gentiles baptised by the same spirit into 
one body, and were all of them one fold and 
one shepherd (1 Cor. 12: 13. John 10: 16); 
but now there are many different folds and 
shepherds, many different opinions and rules 
of faith. Some maintain, as articles of their 
creed, infant baptism, the employment of an 

i2 



292 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

oath, wars, and going to law, and other things 
directly contrary to the sound doctrine of 
Christ : others, who do not approve of these 
things, and style themselves defenceless, take 
nevertheless the liberty of suing, arbitrating 
and going to law about their temporal goods. 
Paul says, There is utterly a fault among 
you, because you go to law one with anoth- 
er : why do ye not rather take wrong ? why 
do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be de- 
frauded? 1 Cor. 6. Remember, that all 
these things are in direct contrariety to the 
spirit and doctrine of Christ, as I have plainly 
shown in the third chapter of this book. 
But, oh hcfw lamentable is it that almost the 
whole of the so named Christendom is held 
in captivity under this error, (no allusion to 
those who are free); the vail of Moses is 
upon their hearts in the reading of the old 
testament, which vail is done away in Christ ; 
nevertheless when they shall turn to the Lord 
the vail shall be taken away. 2 Cor. 3. 

teachers, teachers, who, being set as 
watchmen over the people, cry not aloud, nor 
warn them against these things ! ah, how de- 
plorably you deceive their souls ! How will 
you stand when you shall give an account of 
the souls you have instructed ? Heb. 13 : 17. 
Oh, it will then be of no avail to appeal to 
the long standing and established usages of 
the church ; the question will be, Hast thou 
put to usury the word of my gospel, and been 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 293 

faithful to thy trust ? will any delinquent 
be able at that time to answer Christ ? Nay, 
the dumbness of conscious guilt will be im- 
posed upon him, and he will be thrust down 
to hell in chains of everlasting darkness. 

ye men, what are your designs ? Be- 
hold, the church of Christ is not propagated 
by blood, nor by the will of the flesh, nor by 
the will of man ; but whosoever are born of 
God, to them Christ gives power to become 
the children of God ; the same are members 
of his body, flesh of his flesh and bone of his 
bone. John 1: 12, 13. Eph. 5: 30. Such 
are the living stones which are built up a 
spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up 
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by 
Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 2 : 5. 

But you make christians by the will of 
man; you build your churches and propa- 
gate them by virtue of descent. As the Jew- 
ish priests, &c. made Jews by outward cir- 
cumcision, so you make christians by outward 
baptism ; the Jews and proselytes made by 
the former were children of hell; the chris- 
tians made by you in the manner mentioned, 
are likewise nothing less than children of 
the bottomless pit, (unless they obtain anoth- 
er and a heavenly birth) for their fruits show 
plainly that the tongues and conversation of 
the greatest part are set on fire of hell. James 
3: 6. For take a view of and consider the 
visible fruits of your baptised members, do 

i3 



294 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

they not live almost all oftheni)?h pride, 
spite, maliciousness, vanity, lies, deceit, riot- 
ing, drunkenness, fornication, adultery, (in 
addition public houses of shame are kept, to 
satisfy their devilish lusts) ; dancing, playing, 
and all kinds of licentiousness and works of 
the devil, together with cursing, swearing and 
blasphemy ; when it is evident that all who 
commit such things to greater or less extent, 
shall not inherit the kingdom of God ; and 
not only they who do such deeds, but they 
also who take pleasure in them that do them. 
Romans 1. 

You administer the sacrament to such car- 
nal men, if they will not receive it at your 
hands, and comfort them with the peace of 
the Lord as members of Christ. ye despi- 
sers of the word of God, who set at nought, 
the injunctions of the Holy Spirit, Put away 
from yourselves the wicked person ; with- 
draw yourselves from every brother that 
walketh disorderly (l Cor. 5: 13.-2 Thess. 
3 : 6) ; have no company with him, that he 
may be ashamed (verse 14) ; have no fellow- 
ship with the unfruitful works of darkness, 
but rather reprove them, for it is a shame 
even to speak of those things which are done 
of them in secret, Eph. 5: 11, 12. Butno, 
in your human wisdom you consider such 
injunctions as folly, your school divinity has 
exalted you above Christ and the apostles ; 
if one consider the thing properly, you es- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 295 

teem his word as a fable and treat it accor- 
ding to your own sentiments ; ye teach for filthy 
lucre ; you seek the wool and not the souls ; 
you have forsaken the right way and are 
gone astray, following the way of Balaam. 
2 Pet. 2. But I say, if you have not entered 
in at the right door yourselves, how can you 
bring in other men? If you are unfruitful 
and corrupt trees, how is it possible for you 
to bring forth good fruit ? Do men gather 
grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ? Ah no ! 
neither can you bring forth good fruit. Oh, 
reflect and be sober this once. If war breaks 
out, you are the instruments that incite your 
self-fashioned Christians against similar 
Christians to deeds of death and bloodshed ; 
you urge them on to the field of slaughter as 
though it was a holy cause to fight for their 
country, and, supported by such flattering 
consolation, they march forth more furious 
than the midnight wolves ; and with a fe- 
rocity more terrible, and a cruelty more ex- 
quisite than that of wild beasts, they fall 
upon their christian foes, kill, mangle, and 
destroy; and this is called a christian pro- 
ceeding! Oh, be ashamed in the presence 
of God and his angels, that you style your- 
selves christians ; for the angels from heaven 
exclaimed, at the nativity of the Lord Jesus, 
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
peace, good will towards men. Luke 2 : 14. 
Oh, I repeat it, be ashamed to represent your- 

i4 



296 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

selves as apostles of Christ and teachers of 
righteousness, which you are not, but rather 
such beings as were observed by John, when 
he saw three unclean spirits like frogs come 
out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of 
the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth 
of the false prophet, and are spirits of devils, 
working miracles, which go forth unto the 
kings of the earth and of the whole world, 
(by your missionary societies) to gather them 
to the battle of that great day of God Al- 
mighty. Rev. 13: 14. You compass land 
and water to make christians and christian 
proselytes ; and when you have made them,if 
they follow your example, are they a whit bet- 
ter than they were before ? Ah, I am afraid 
not; for we find in publications that there is 
frequently more fidelity and probity among 
them than among the so named christians. 

If now for example the missionaries should 
explain to the heathens this text in which 
Christ says, This is my commandment, that 
ye love one another, as I have loved you. 
Greater love hath no man than this, that a 
man lay down his life for his friends (John 
15: 12, 13); or as John says, Hereby per- 
ceive we the love of God, because he (Christ) 
laid down his life for us : and we ought to 
lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 
John 3: 16. 

What would the heathens naturally say to 
this ? Might they not reply, You preach us 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 297 

things you do not do yourselves; you lay 
burdens on our shoulders which you do not 
touch with one of your fingers. You hypo- 
crites, where is the fruit of your preaching? 
For do we not see and hear that you are con- 
stantly destroying one another by variance, 
war, and bloodshed; one christian monarchy 
(as you call them) oppresses another, in order 
to further her own interest? Where then 
does one christian out of love to another lay 
down his life for him, which you say a chris- 
tian is bound by love to do? Now one or 
the other of these conclusions incontestably 
follows : you either preach lies to us, or if 
you tell us the truth, you deny the doctrine 
of Christ your head, and are not true minis*, 
ters sent by him. And again, if they were 
to explain this passage, He that loveth not 
his brother, abideth in death. Whosoever 
hateth his brother, is a murderer: and ye 
know that no murderer has eternal life abid- 
ing in him. 1 John 3 : 14, 15. 

What would the heathen say to this? 
Would he not reply : You say, Whosoever 
hateth his brother, is a murderer. But you 
do not only hate one another, but persecute, 
kill and destroy, lay waste cities and coun- 
tries, wherefore your own words condemn 
you; you declare you have no hopes of 
eternal life, and yet you give yourselves 
trouble to make us such christians as you 
are. What will it profit us, seeing we have 

15 



298 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

in such Christianity as little promise of a fu- 
ture life as we have in our present state, in 
which (as you say) we have none. 

Now would not such a pretended apostle 
of Christ be dumb in the presence of a saga- 
cious heathen, and be convinced in his con- 
science that he could not in truth make any 
objection? But why do I say conscience! 
Had they an awakened conscience, they had 
long since abandoned their false doctrine: 
but the unclean spirits came out of their 
mouths like frogs, they hop from one passage 
of scripture to another ; if they cannot sup- 
port their doctrine by the gospel of Jesus 
Christ, they hop to the written law, and take 
for example the old Jewish warriors to serve 
as a pretext with which they set off and em- 
bellish their cause; and working such mira- 
cles, they go forth unto the kings of the earth, 
and of the whole world, to gather them to 
, the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 
For do the^ not fight against him, and gath- 
■ er together the whole world in battle against 
God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent? 
For God spake by the mouth of Moses, say- 
ing, I will raise them up a Prophet from 
among their brethren like unto thee, and will 
put my words in his mouth, and he shall 
speak unto them all that 1 shall command 
him. And it shall come to pass, that who- 
soever will not hearken unto my words which 
he shall speak in my name, I will require it 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 299 

of him. Beut. 18. In like manner the voice 
spoke out of the cloud saying, This is my 
beloved son, in whom I am well pleased : 
hear ye him. Matt. 17 : 5. The written 
law of Moses, the outward warfare and con- 
quest of Canaan, were merely types and 
shadows of the spiritual law, the spiritual 
warfare, and the spiritual conquest of the 
everlasting inheritance through Christ Jesus, 
for the body itself is of Christ. Col. 2: 17. 
Heb. 8 : 5. Heb. 10 : 1. Here men fight no 
longer with carnal weapons, but with the 
spiritual weapons of warfare they pull down 
strong holds, cast down imaginations and 
every high thing that exalteth itself against 
the knowledge of God, and bring into cap- 
tivity every thought to the obedience of 
Christ, (2 Cor. 10:4, 5,) as has been frequent- 
ly and clearly shown in this book. 

Well now, ye spiritually blind and dumb 
watchmen, awake and be sober; cease to 
fight against the Almighty, for you shall 
surely fail when he comes to require the 
blood of your hearers at your hands. 
think of the everlasting fire of hell threatened 
in numerous passages of the holy scriptures 
against all false teachers and unfaithful shep- 
herds : rely not upon your extensive mental 
acquirements, neither depend upon the wis- 
dom of man ; for it is written, I will destroy 
the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to 
nothing the understanding of the prudent 

16 



300 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? 
where is the disputer of this world ? Hath 
not God made foolish the wisdom of this 
world ? For after that, in the wisdom of 
God, the world by wisdom knew not God, 
it pleased God by the foolishness of preach- 
ing to save them that believe. 1 Cor. 1. 
Wherefore Christ also thanked his heavenly 
Father because he had hidden these things 
from the wise and prudent, and had revealed 
them unto babes. Matt. 1 1. For not many 
wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, 
not many noble, are called ; but God hath 
chosen the foolish things of the world to 
confound the wise; and God hath chosen 
the weak things of the world to confound the 
things which are mighty ; and base things of 
the world, and things which are despised, 
hath God chosen, yea, and things which are 
not, to bring to naught things that are ; that 
no flesh should glory in his presence. 1 
Cor. 1. 

Dear reader, think not that I am alone in 
my testimony against these things. no, I 
could adduce numerous examples of the 
primitive christians who testify the very same 
thing ; as, for instance, one writer says, A 
christian does not enter into a lawsuit with 
those who deprive him of his own : Christ 
has commanded us rather to forsake the 
things which occasion disputes, and thus be 
free from all contention. A christian should 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 301 

see that he avoids disputes, even at the risk 
of personal loss. The way is rendered much 
narrower since the advent of the Lord Jesus, 
so that men are bound to abandon all con- 
tention and altercation. 

But the ground of avoidance with them, 
as regards suing and going to law, was the 
denial of the world, in as much as from a 
reliance upon the care and goodness of the 
Lord, they willingly resigned whatsoever the 
adverse party were unwilling to yield them, 
and they esteemed the internal tranquility of 
their souls and the preservation of peace with 
their neighbor above all the goods, pleasures 
and honors of this present world. Where- 
fore this was their resolution, Whosoever is 
not afraid to lose his own, the same does not 
take it hard to impart something to others ; 
otherwise how could he who has two coats, 
give one of them to a poor person, unless his 
heart was so disposed that when a person 
takes away his coat, he could give him his 
cloak also ? If our minds were not thus dis- 
posed, we would perish along with the tran- 
sitory things of life ; for what have we that 
is not perishable ? [Arnold's Abbildung der 
ersten Christen, 2ter Theil, 5tes Buch, 
Seite 18.] 

In the same book we further see, that the 
primitive christians declared their confession 
before the pagans, and rejected warfare and 
a military life. One of them, writing to a 



302 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

soldier, says, There is nothing we can or 
should prefer to him who is the true Lord 
and the eternal Emperor; but if we have 
greater love for this world and for the em- 
peror than for Christ, we shall not hereafter 
come to Christ, but be brought to hell, in 
which the affairs of the lords of this world 
are managed. Therefore love no longer this 
world and your military life, since every one 
who wages war with the sword, is a minister 
of death ; but whosoever sheds his own or 
other men's blood, the same shall receive the 
fruit of his wages ; for if he is slain, he is 
guilty of his own death, or if he kills another, 
he is guilty of this sin, &c. [Arnold's Ab- 
bildung, 2ter Theil, 5tes Buch, 6tes Cap. 
Seite 42.] 

In like manner the Waldenses were, in 
their doctrine, entirely opposed to the employ- 
ment of an oath, the taking of vengeance, 
and the waging of war ; they also denied the 
propriety of going to law ; nay, they went so 
far as to confess that no judge who wishes to 
be a christian, can pass sentence of death 
upon any man, not even upon a malefactor. 
[Martyrer-Spiegel, lster Theil, Seite 223, u. 
s. w.] 

We find further, in relation to the article 
of war or defence, that the primitive Luther- 
ans, who in the beginning were of the same 
opinion with the Reformed Calvinists and 
the Zuinglians, agreed with us in the belief 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 303 

that it does not become a christian to wage 
war or stand up in his own defence, among 
whom, in the first place (says the writer) we 
quote Andrew Carlstadt, who, in a book en- 
titled, ' Should men forgive injuries and 
offences?' (printed at Zurich A. D. 1524) 
writes thus concerning defence: We must 
not suffer ourselves to be misled by the ex- 
probration that war is a punishment of God; 
therefore there must always exist some one 
to carry on war against others. (Also) men 
under thfe old testament dispensation carried 
on war, &c. 

In answer to the first, hear what Christ 
says, Matt. 18. It must needs be that offen- 
ces come ; but wo to that man by whom the 
offence cometh ! — Thus some meriting the 
inclemency of God, he punishes and tor- 
ments them with war ; but wo to him who 
shall wage war against them, for he (name- 
ly God) punishes the wicked through the 
instrumentality of the wicked. 

In reply to the second, The children of 
Israel carried on war either against the wick- 
ed nations who opposed them in their jour- 
ney to the promised land, or against such as 
would not suffer them to dwell in peace after 
their arrival ; all which is typical of the war 
which we, at present, in Christ, as new and 
regenerated men, are constrained to carry on 
with or against all vice and unbelief. 



304 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Soon after he writes thus : They further 
object saying, Those who will not comply 
with the law, must be compelled by weapons 
and force, &c. 

Answer : To speak properly and christian- 
like upon the subject, war does not become 
us in any possible way. It is our duty, in 
accordance with the doctrine of Christ, to 
pray for those who speak all manner of evil 
of us and consider us as fools ; nay when 
they smite us upon one cheek we should 
turn the other also ; then we shall be chil- 
dren of the Most High. [So much for Carl- 
stadt] 

From Carlstadt the writer proceeds to 
Luther, and says, In a small work printed 
at Wittenberg, A. D. 1520, Luther assigns 
the reason for his burning the pope's books, 
which was, as appears from the 22d article, 
his teaching, that it is right for a christian to 
defend himself against force by force, in con- 
trariety to the saying of Christ. Matt. 5. 
Whosoever taketh away thy coat, let him 
have thy cloak also. 

In another small work printed also at Wit- 
tenberg, it appears, among other articles, that 
he (Luther) taught, that the words of Christ. 
Matt. 5. Whosoever shall smite thee on thy 
right cheek, turn to him the other also. And 
Rom. 12. Dearly beloved, avenge not your- 
selves — are not a counsel which a person 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 305 

may or may not comply with at his option, 
but one which it is incumbent upon us to 
observe, &c. 

Also, christians are forbidden to take their 
cause to court. Also, as a christian is not 
permitted to place his affections upon world- 
ly goods, so neither is he permitted to take 
an oath in regard to them. 

In short, it is proved that Luther was op- 
posed for a considerable length of time, both 
by his mouth and his pen, to a resistance or 
defence, till finally, seduced from the doctrine 
of truth, he adopted another belief. [Sley- 
danus testifies the same, in Book 8, Page 
561. See the oldest editions. History of 
the Martyrs, 2d part, pages 591 and 592.] 

Dear reader, there might be many more 
witnesses produced from among the Martyrs 
of Jesus Christ, who rejected infant baptism, 
the employment of oaths, bearing the sword, 
together with suing and going to law, and 
this in all ages or centuries. But what would 
it avail ? For if men believe not the plain 
and express words of Christ, nor the testimony 
of the Holy Spirit given by the apostles, how 
could they believe mine or other men's tes- 
timony? Ah no! The god of this world 
has hardened and blinded their unbelieving 
minds, so that they see not the clear light of 
the gospel of Jesus. They take pleasure in 
the luxury of life, and travel securely in the 
commodious path of the flesh, going on in 



306 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

the broad road that leadeth to everlasting 
perdition. 

The only reason is this, that there have 
been from the time of Christ to the present 
but very few who received and lived up to 
this true abrenunciation, it being directly con- 
trary to the nature of man ; therefore they 
are looked upon as foolish persons by the 
great multitudes of teachers and common 
people, not considering the declaration of 
Christ, that strait is the gate and narrow is 
the way that leadeth to life, and few there be 
that find it. 

Nevertheless, the doctrine which I have 
propounded to you in this little book, shall 
stand for ever, and the gates of hell shall 
never prevail against it, though it may be 
opposed by many, and be considered by the 
witty and the learned as fanaticism ; for the 
word of the cross, and of true self-denial, i$. 
to them sheer foolishness, but to us who be- 
lieve and walk therein, it is the power of 
salvation. 1 Cor. 1. 

beloved fellow travellers to eternity ! I 
have in my simplicity declared nothing unto 
you in this book, but Jesus Christ and him 
crucified, the Alpha and the Omega, the Be- 
ginning and the End, the head of all chris- 
tians, the true High Priest, the long promised 
Prophet and true Teacher of righteousness, 
whom we should hear and follow, and whose 
cross we should bear as long as we sojourn 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 307 

here. If like all the disciples of Jesus I shall 
now and then be despised, reviled and ca- 
lumniated by many people, and be considered 
as a seducive spirit, enthusiast, and deceiver 
of the people, it matters not; for nothing else 
can be expected : whosoever confesses Christ 
before an adulterous generation, must endure 
hatred ; which is abundantly shown and con- 
firmed by the example of all candid confes- 
sors of the truth. Oh, the heavenly crown of 
everlasting life will make rich and abundant 
amends to me and to all candid confessors 
and followers of Jesus Christ. 

Finally, may the Lord fulfil, in every pious 
reader, that for which I earnestly groan to 
God, to whose saving grace and divine wis- 
dom I commend all men through Jesus 
Christ, highly exalted in time and eternity, 
Amen. Yea, Amen, Lord Jesus. 



CHAPTER TENTH. 

An exhortation to my beloved Brethren and Sisters in Christ 
Jesus, for the encouragement and edification of their souls; 
in which are brought into view the love of God, and its 
nature and disposition, and its operation on the souls that 

possess it. 

1. My highly esteemed and dearly beloved 
brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, who are 
called of God with me to the same hope of 
our vocation, as one body and one spirit, by 
the bond of love which God has richly shed 
abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit ; I 
cannot, under the influence of this love, for- 
bear writing somewhat to you, by way of 
remembrance, that you may all peruse this 
book in sound meditation, and view your- 
selves therein, and if any find himself too far 
from the mark, that he may be reminded 
anew to give more heed to his calling, lest 
any should backslide and grow cold in love 
towards God ; for the greatest of all the com- 
mandments is this, Hear, Israel, Thou 
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy 
mind, and with all thy strength ; and this is 
like unto it, namely, Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself. Mark 12. Oh, when 
we love God above all things as the Supreme 
Good, and cleave to him alone, then we seek 
for nothing more in the creatures, or in him 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 309 

who is inferior to God ; because God is suffi- 
cient for us. For all creation is nothing less 
than a display of his almighty power and 
wisdom ; everything on earth that our eyes 
can any where behold, bears witness to his 
glory, which serves as a means to unite us 
more and more in love with him, making us 
sensible of his great love towards us in all his 
gifts which he bestows upon us, both as re- 
spects the body and the soul. 

2. As regards the body, we see that he ex- 
ercises universal love towards all men, doing 
good as well to the wicked as the godly; for 
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on 
the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on 
the unjust. Matt. 5 : 45. Yea, he endureth 
with much long suffering the vessels of wrath, 
which (in consequence of their obstinacy and 
ungodly works) are fitted to destruction. 
Rom. 2 : 5. Rom. 9 : 22. 

3. In relation to the soul, we observe his 
universal love extended to every man ; for 
Christ, the true light, is come to light every 
man that cometh into the world (John 1) ; 
he is not come to condemn the world, but to 
save it (John 3) ; he would willingly gather 
all together under the wings of his mercy, as 
a hen doth her brood, but they will not ; 
therefore he does not impart to them the 
treasure of his hidden and heavenly love, but 
to those only who receive him and believe in 
his name, to whom he gives power to become 



310 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

the children of God. John 1. And this 
state of adoption, which such obtain through 
Christ, is the birth of God; that is, they are 
made partakers of the divine nature, (2 Pet 
1, 4,) and rendered conformable to Christ, as 
the branch possesses the same properties with 
the vine, only with this difference, that they 
receive of his fulness, and grace for grace. 
John 1: 16. 

4. Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, 
and sisters, let us constantly reflect upon this 
love, which God has by his exceeding grace 
imparted to our souls ; this meditation will 
excite love and gratitude towards him, so 
that we will gladly take up his cross, and fol- 
low in all which he has commanded us. For 
love is the fulfilling of the law, (Rom. 13 : 8,) 
because in that which love doeth, there is no 
constraint, and where there is no constraint 
there is no law, and where there is no law 
there is neither servitude nor fear ; for perfect 
love casteth out fear. 1 John 4:18. There- 
fore through this love we are children, and, 
by this love and the Spirit of Christ, we cry 
Abba Father ! And as we know God to be 
our Father and Preserver, we trust in him 
entirely and exclusively ; if he chastens us 
we faint not, because we know that thereby 
we obtain sanctification ; if he strips and de- 
nudes us, and hides his countenance from us 
for a while, we do not sink down into servile 
fear and unbelief; for his design is only to 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 311 

make a trial of our love. We therefor abide 
in faith till it shall please him again to visit 
and comfort us, well knowing that he has 
promised, He will never leave us nor forsake 
us. Heb. 13: 5. 

5. Ah, this love is a glorious unction ! all 
which it teaches us is right; for it is God, and 
God is love, and whosoever abideth in love, 
abideth in God, and God in him. Love 
teaches us, by Christ in the inner man, as 
well as in the word, that it is our duty when 
a person strikes us on one cheek, to turn the 
other also ; and, if any man sues us at the 
law and takes away our coat, not to withhold 
from him our cloak. Love enjoins upon us 
to love these our enemies ; it instructs us to 
pray for them and do them good ; for by this 
love we have a vision quite different from 
nature, we possess a sense of feeling entirely 
new, so that we are not exasperated against 
such as inflict evil upon us ; for we look fur- 
ther than to man, knowing with Christ that 
he can have no power except it be given him 
from above (John 19 : 11) ; for not a sparrow 
shall fall to the ground without our Father, 
and the very hairs of our heads are all num- 
bered. Matt. 10: 29, 30. 

6. Of this Job was well aware, for he re- 
garded not, with a revengeful eye, the Ara- 
bians who took away his asses and his oxen 
when they were ploughing, and slew the 
servants with the edge of the sword ; nor the 



312 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

Chaldeans who took away his camels and 
slew his servants ; but he looked to God him- 
self who gave satan power to lay hands upon 
him, and knew that these men served merely 
as the instruments of his temptation. There- 
fore he said, Naked came I out of my mother's 
womb, and naked shall I return thither; the 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; 
blessed be the name of the Lord. Job L 
By these words he gave to understand that 
he had nothing in the world but what God 
had given him ; neither could he lose any 
thing, for God only took away his own, or 
gave satan and his instruments the power of 
taking it away. 

7. We perceive also, my brethren, that 
Christ did not look upon the men in his suf- 
ferings as men who did such things by their 
own ability, but he knew that it was the time 
and power of darkness which his Father had 
appointed him, and that these men were only 
instruments in the hands of the devil to fulfil 
the predetermined counsel of God. There- 
fore he felt for them a deep compassion and 
prayed for them. In like manner love teaches 
us to pray in heartfelt commisseration for our 
vilest enemies ; for love, or charity, suffereth 
long, and is kind ; love envieth not ; love 
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not 
behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, 
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil ; re- 
joiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 313 

truth ; beareth all things, believeth all things, 
hopeth all things, endureth all things. 1 Cor. 
13. I ove worketh no ill to its neighbor, it 
possesses a disposition so benignant, and a 
virtue so efficacious, that it gives us the like 
mind that was in Jesus, rendering us merciful, 
even as our Father in heaven is also merciful 
(Luke 6 : 36) ; so that we willingly impart and 
do good unto all men, especially to them who 
are of the household of faith. Gal. 6: 10. 
Ah yes, love renders all things light which to 
the old man are grievous and unpleasant, nay 
intolerable; for it beareth all things, and 
teaches us that all crosses, tribulations, trials, 
and worldly losses serve for the best. We, 
therefore, endure all things, and become quite 
nothing in the outward man ; when men re- 
vile, calumniate and persecute us, and do us 
injuries, either in regard to person or property, 
we rejoice in love ; for it is to us an unbound- 
ed consolation and a treasure which neither 
moth nor rust can corrupt, and which thieves 
can not break through and steal. Yea, under 
the influence of this love the Hebrews took 
joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing 
in themselves that they had in heaven a better 
and an enduring substance. Heb. 10: 34. 
Under the influence of this love a man for- 
sakes father, mother, brother, sister, wife, 
children, (as regards the works of the flesh) 
and even his own life; for love knows no man 
after the flesh ; is without dissimulation, hates 



314 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

the evil and cleaves to the good ; it fleeth the 
transitory pleasure of the world, avoids every 
appearance of evil, shuns idolatry \docl the 
doctrines of men, and abandons the profligate 
and the licentious ; it abides only in those 
who abide in it, that is in God, and keep his 
commandments ; for love consists in keeping 
the commandments of God, and his com- 
mandments are not grievous. 1 John 5 : 2, 
3. Love does all things willingly and with- 
out constraint, and therefore does not call the 
word of the Lord a burden. Jer. 23. 

8. dearly beloved in the Lord, examine 
carefully whether this love to God is always 
the motive of your keeping the command- 
ments of Christ. For, as an instance, if a 
person defrauds you, or endeavors by craft and 
cunning to appropriate your property to his 
own use, perhaps for the reason that we are 
not at liberty, in accordance with the doctrine 
of Christ, to employ force against him, how 
do you stand affected ? For this is a severe 
trial for our human nature ; and if this exer- 
cises too great an influence over us, we in- 
dulge bad feelings towards him who injures 
us ; and though, in consequence of the com- 
mandment, we do not intend any thing 
against him, yet it is a constraint, or a griev- 
ous burden, which we are compelled io bear ; 
neither can we, as though we were actuated 
by the impulse of love, offer up our heartfelt 
supplications in his behalf; for genuine 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 315 

charity is wanting, and we possess merely a 
bare knowledge of the doctrine of Christ, 
which will avail ns nothing, according to the 
declaration of Paul. 1 Cor. 13. 

9. But if true charity exerts its benign in- 
fluence within us, then none of these things 
will press upon us as grievous burdens; we 
bear them willingly, and commit all things 
to him who judgeth righteously, and pity 
such men from our hearts that they suffer 
themselves to be employed as instruments in 
the devil's hands to perpetrate such flagrant 
injustice ; for if a man is not faithful in tem- 
poral goods, who will commit to his trust the 
true riches. Luke 16 : 10, 11. wo to their 
souls ! for they lay up a treasure which tends 
to their everlasting destruction, unless they 
repent. Oh how can love be otherwise than 
filled with commisseration for such men ? 
How can charity refrain from offering up an 
ardent prayer to God that he may enlighten 
their souls, when we reflect that the god of 
this world has hardened and blinded their 
minds, lest the light of the glorious gospel of 
Christ should shine upon them ? Alas, they 
walk in darkness, not knowing whither they 
go; they are studious of doing injuries, and 
know not that the Lord will, in his season, 
take vengeance upon all such things. 

10. thou perverted and falsely esteemed 
Christendom ! how do thy open fruits bear 
witness to the fact, that you have no less 



316 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

claim to any thing than to the love of God ! 
You quarrel and contend, you sue and go to 
law, you commit wrongs and outrages one 
against another, you can scarcely with a free 
will forego a few dollars for Christ's sake, not 
to say any thing of your life and sinful na- 
ture, and yet you would wish to cover all 
with the appearance of the gospel as though 
it was a righteous cause ! 

11. teachers and blind guides ! who, not 
possessing the love of God, presume your- 
selves to be teachers of the blind and a light 
to those who are in darkness, (Rom. 2,) while 
you show plcinly that yourselves are in 
darkness ; for if you possessed the true light, 
it would be manifested in your doctrine and 
conversation. Influenced by love, you would 
be impelled in your instructions to testify 
openly and energetically against all things 
interdicted by Christ and his apostles, and 
would be constrained to teach all things 
whatsoever he has commanded you. Matt. 
28. In your walk you would withdraw 
yourselves from every one who teaches other- 
wise and consents not to wholesome words, 
even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
to the doctrine which is according to godli- 
ness. 1 Tim. 6 : 3 to 5. 2 Tim. 3 : 5. For 
as much as this is not found in you, but 
rather the contrary, by which the people are 
kept in blindness and amused with lies; 
therefore be not surprised that we cannot hear 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR, 317 

your preaching, or that we avoid you ; for the 
holy scripture and our own conscience will 
not allow us. that your eyes may be 
opened before it is too late ! and may you 
yet escape the dreadful woes pronounced in 
the holy scriptures against all unfaithful 
shepherds. 

12. My dearly beloved brethren and sisters, 
and all awakened souls, since we see by the 
word and grace of the Lord how miserably 
great the apostacy from God is in our time, 
and perceive that men turn away from the 
truth and turn to cunning fables ; the word 
of God is corrupted and the opinions of men 
advocated, as was the case with backsliding 
Israel and Judah under the old testament 
dispensation : therefore I exhort you with 
Paul, that you be not beguiled by those, who 
in voluntary humility, and worshipping of 
angels, intrude into those things which they 
have not seen (in a true light,) vainly puffed 
up by their fleshly minds, and not holding the 
head (Christ and his doctrine.) Col 2. For 
by this we easily know them, if they follow 
not Christ in all things, and teach whatsoever 
he taught. For true teachers are ambassa- 
dors in Christ's stead, executing his commis- 
sion, and keeping his commandments, even 
as he kept his Father's commandments ; for 
he has assigned his kingdom unto us, as it 
was allotted unto him by his Father: he is 
the Master, and we the servants and disci- 



318 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

pies ; wherefore it behooves us not to rule 
over him, but to be obedient in all things. 
0, if they had the pure love of God, the doc- 
trine of Christ would be written in their hearts 
by the Holy Spirit, who would bring to their 
remembrance all things whatsoever Christ 
has said, (John 14,) so that they might neither 
add nor dimmish. 

13. my dear brethren! influenced by 
love, my heart often pains me that the godly 
cease and the faithful fail from among the 
children of men, and that with flattering lips 
and a double heart so many say, With our 
tongue will we prevail ; our lips are our own ; 
who is lord over us ? Ps. 12. They take the 
covenant into their mouth, yet they hate in- 
struction and cast the words of the lord be- 
hind them. Ps. 50. thou Eternal Love ! 
thou didst provide for us before the world 
began ; for thou sawest, in thy omniscience, 
that we would fall and be ruined, and that 
besides thee there was no help at hand to 
redeem and set us free; then didst thou, 
Divine Goodness, purpose and determine in 
thyself to redeem us, without our aid, pwrely 
out of free grace through Jesus Christ, whom 
thou hast sent as the Saviour of mankind, 
having put the words into his mouth con- 
cerning what he should do and what he 
should speak ; and having in this thing both 
manifested and performed thy will, God, 
he gave his life a sacrifice, in order to com- 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 319 

ply with the demands of thy righteousness, 
and restored that which he had not taken 
away; and thus he sealed his testament with 
his death and blood, so that it remains un- 
changed and immovable, and thereby made 
peace through the blood of the cross, having 
taken away the enmity that was between us 
and thee, God, so that we have free access 
through him to draw nigh unto thee in faith, 
and are enabled by him, if we follow the 
drawings of thy grace, to call upon thee as 
Abba Father; but God, notwithstanding 
thou hast borne such unparalleled love to- 
wards us and still bearest, yet there is very 
little love manifested towards thee, there are 
very few who know thee ! 

14. But ye souls, who have the know- 
lege of this love, and with me have been made 
partakers of it ; let us abide constantly in this 
child-like love, edifying one another in sin- 
gleness of heart, each loving the other as 
himself; so that if one or another should be 
overtaken in a fault, we, who are spiritual, 
may restore such a one in the spirit of meek- 
ness ; considering ourselves, lest we also be 
tempted. Gal. 6: 1. For love is long suffer- 
ing ; he acts not rashly and inconsiderately 
towards his weak brother : he searches and 
examines whether the fault was committed 
deliberately or through precipitancy; if it was 
committed through inadvertency, he reproves 
him in a friendly manner, and kindly exhorts 



320 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

him that he shall be right sensible of his 
fault, and shall confess it before God and 
men, and draw nigh to Christ in faith, who 
is ever ready to pardon ; this will be to him 
as an excellent oil upon his head, (Ps. 141 : 
5,) and he shall be ransomed by love. 

1 5. If he has sinned deliberately and strives 
to justify or palliate his crime, then love as- 
sumes a sterner countenance and reproves 
him sharply, for he is possessed of salt ; 
though his words are expressive of kindness, 
yet they are piercing, and leave behind them 
a wound in an impure heart, so that it may 
have the more speedy recourse to its physi- 
cian in order to be healed, if it is not totally 
or obstinately hardened against the chasten- 
ing of love. Also, upon some love has com- 
passion, making a difference; and others it 
saves with fear, pulling them out of the fire ; 
hating even the garment spotted by the flesh, 
(Jude, verses 22, 23,) so that it spares not the 
person who is punishable. 

16. Love teaches us also to use hospitality 
one to another, without grudging (Pet. 4 : 9) ; 
for thereby some have entertained angels 
unawares. Heb. 13: 2. Love opens the 
understanding and enlarges the mind ; not 
by carnal wisdom, but by heavenly wisdom 
it enables us more and more to acknowledge 
God in his depth, height, length and breadth ; 
it gives us to taste the sweetness of the gospel 
and the power, and the glory of the world to 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 321 

come. [I write this from experience and not 
from mere knowledge.] All other gifts of 
grace are good, if love joins and co-operates 
with them ; but love is the chief and greatest 
gift. Faith is an excellent gift, but without 
the spirit and without love it is dead ; but if 
love co-operates with faith, giving it efficacy, 
then is faith rendered powerful; lor by faith 
we are able to overcome the world, (1 John 
5 : 4, 5,) and to quench all the fiery darts of 
satan. Eph. 6. To speak with the tongues 
of men and angels, to have the gift of proph- 
esy, to possess all knowledge, and understand 
all mysteries, are excellent gifts, but without 
the co-operation of charity they are nothing 
worth ; if love co-operates with the gifts, they 
are rendered fruitful and efficacious, and 
much good can be done among men for the 
advancement of their salvation. 

17. Gifts and knowledge without charity 
puff up and are nourishment for self; but 
charity edifies, (1 Cor. 8: 1,) that is, it puri- 
fies the heart from all self and selfish princi- 
ples, and renders us little in our own eyes, 
so that we honor God through love, and 
cleave to him alone. 

18. Charity never faileth ; but whether 
there be prophecies, they shall fail ; whether 
there be tongues, they shall cease; whether 
there be knowledge, it shall vanish away; 
therefore Ave should not value ourselves or 
be puffed up on account of our possessing 



322 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

gifts or great knowledge; for we know but 
in part, and we prophesy but in part : there 
is no perfection therein; but when that which 
is perfect is come, then that which is in part 
shall be done away. In this Paul intimates 
plainly, that if, in consequence of great reve- 
lations, we arrive at extensive knowledge in 
this life yet we have no reason to boast, in- 
asmuch as all this shall vanish away in 
death, and is but piece-work in comparison 
of that which is obtained in the perfection of 
the world to come. Wherefore he says fur- 
ther of himself, that though he was no lon- 
ger a child in knowledge, but had grown by 
great knowledge and revelations to the stature 
of a man in Christ, and so had laid aside 
childish things, yet in this earthly tabernacle 
he saw with others through a glass darkly ; 
but then face to face. Now, says he, I know 
in part; but then shall 1 know even as also 
I am known. But this he gives us to under- 
stand, that in the midst of all his extensive 
knowledge, he did not know God in the per- 
fection of his attributes, as God knew him ; 
but he believes confidently that when God 
shall raise him from the dead, and change 
his vile body that it may be fashioned like 
unto the glorious body of Christ, then he sliali 
know God in his glorious and majestic per- 
fection, even as he then was also known of God. 
19. This accords with what John says, 
Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 323 

it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but 
we know that, when he shall appear, we 
shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he 
is. 1 John 3:2. In like manner Christ 
says in his prayer, Father, I will that they 
also, whom thou hast given me, be with me 
where I am, that they may behold my glory, 
which thou hast given me. John 17: 24. 

20. Brethren, from this we have great rea- 
son to humble ourselves before God; for we 
see that even if we possess all gifts and all 
knowledge, when we weigh ourselves with 
God, we must confess that we are of ourselves 
unqualified for any good work ; but that our 
sufficiency is of God, and being of God, we 
have nothing to boast of but the grace of our 
God in Christ Jesus; through the medium 
of which grace we see God here in the Spirit, 
but hereafter face to face. Therefore we 
groan while in this tabernacle, desiring to be 
clothed upon with our house which is from 
heaven : if so be that being clothed, we shall 
not be found naked, says Paul. 2 Cor. 5. 
For so long as we abide in this tabernacle 
we cannot see God in his consummate glory 
Moses besought the Lord once to this effect, 
but he said, Thou canst not see my face : for 
there shall no man see me and Jive. Ex. 
33 : 20. For as much then as we cannot, in 
this earthly tabernacle, have a perfect view of 
the fulness of God, let us possess our souls 
in patience, and have our lamps burning, 



824 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

that when the bridegroom comes, we may 
enter with him into his eternal glory. 

21. For though prophecy, knowledge and 
tongues shall cease, yet there abideth faith, 
hope, charity, these three 5 but the greatest of 
these is charity. That is, in death the gifts 
cease and vanish away, and the soul posses- 
ses them no more after its separation from 
the body ; but faith, hope and charity still 
remain ; for while here, the sanctified soul 
lives in faith, hope and charity (and not in 
knowledge) ; but charity, as the best gift, 
must actuate faith and quicken hope, and in 
this manner being justified by faith, we hav^ 
peace with God through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, (Rom. 5: 1,) and our hope maketh 
us not ashamed. Verse 5. In this faith, 
hope and charity the soul rests in her bed 
from death to the last judgment, (Is. 57: 2,) 
as it was promised to Daniel, saying, Go thou 
thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest 
and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. 
Dan. 12: 13. But when the last enemy is 
destroyed, namely death, and the resurrection 
of the dead is past, and Christ, having sepa- 
rated the sheep from the goats, shall say to 
the righteous, Come ye blessed of my Father, 
and inherit the kingdom prepared for you 
from the beginning of the world; then faith 
and hope shall cease, for they have obtained 
what they believed and hoped for ; but char- 
ity remains, for it is God, and God is love, 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 325 

and in it we are glorified in God, fashioned 
like him, and see him, as he is, in the full 
brilliancy of glory and in the essence of con- 
summate love, so that God may be all in all. 

22. Dearly beloved in the Lord, it has 
pleased God at sundry times to manifest to 
certain of the faithful a portion of his glory, 
even while they remained in this earthly 
tabernacle ; among them we may enumerate 
Isaiah, (chap. 6,) Ezekiel, (chap. 1 and 3) and 
Daniel, (chap. 7) also Peter, John, and James 
in the mountain, (Mark 9) Paul in paradise, 
(2 Cor. 12) John in his revelations, and 
Stephen as he was stoned (Acts 7) ; and I, 
as the least among the members of Christ, 
have also, by the grace of God, had a slight 
view, in the spirit, of the excellence of this 
heavenly glory; and the exquisite love and 
extatic joy which I experienced in the con- 
templation of the glory of God in Christ Je- 
sus are far beyond the power of language to 
express. God alone be praised, 

23. Brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, 
and dearly beloved in God! forasmuch as 
we know that we shall inherit an unchang- 
ing kingdom, a kingdom of glory and ever- 
lasting joy, in which there shall be no more 
death, neither sorrow nor crying, but unceas 
ing love ; a kingdom in which all the chil- 
dren of God shall shine like the sun in the 
firmament, and all tears (which they wept in 
this earthly tabernacle) shall be wiped away ; 



326 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any 
more ; neither shall the sun light on them, 
nor any heat; for the Lamb which is in the 
midst of the throne, shall feed them, and 
shall lead them unto living fountains of 
waters (Rev. 7) ; yea, they shall stand on the 
sea of glass, having the harps of God, and 
shall sing the song of Moses, the servant of 
God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, 
Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord 
God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, 
thou king of saints : who shall not fear thee, 
Lord, and glorify thy name! for thou only 
art holy. Rev. 15. Ah, this is the blessed 
rest which is promised to the people of God, 
a rest that cannot be disturbed, a rest like 
unto the rest of God; for God rests in him- 
self from ail his works ; they likewise rest in 
God from all their labor and all their works. 
Heb. 4: 9, 10. Rev. 14: 13. Therefore 
awake, all ye, who have become drowsy and 
inactive in the way of salvation, awake, 
strengthen the weary hands, and support the 
teeble knees, take sure steps, lest you let slip 
the opportunity of entering into this rest; 
for he that cometh will come soon, and his 
reward is with him; and he will render unto 
every man according to the deeds done in 
the body. 

24. Dearly beloved in the Lord, since God 
has chosen us before the foundation of the 
world, in Christ Jesus, to his everlasting 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 327 

kingdom and his glorious rest, let us take 
heed in making our calling and election 
sure, and turn neither to the right hand nor 
to the left; though our adversary the devil, 
together with all his servants and followers, 
may set themselves in array against us, yet 
the victory is sure; for the Lion of the tribe 
of Judah has conquered, and as he has con 
querecl, so also shall we conquer. Therefore 
be undaunted, and despair not, for he is with 
us in the fight ; look unto him as the author 
and finisher of your faith, and do as he in- 
structs you; break the empty pitchers of 
your humanity, blow the trumpet of the 
word of God, and hold by you the lamp of 
the Holy Spirit, and cry, The sword of the 
Lord and Christ ! Then will the camp of 
Midian be taken, and our enemies shall 
perish with their own swords. Judges 7. 
ye despondent and inactive souls, who are 
afraid to move forward in the combat, take 
courage and consider that if God is with us, 
who can be against us, (Rom. 8: 31,) and 
no man will harm us, if we be followers of 
that which is good, and if we suffer for right- 
eousness sake, happy are we. We should 
not, therefore, be afraid of the terror of our 
enemies, neither should, we be troubled, but 
rather sanctify the Lord God in our hearts, 
(1 Pet. 3,) and fear him alone; for he has 
power not only to destroy the body, but also 
to cast the soul into hell. All saints from 

i2 



328 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 

the beginning have kept these things in view, 
and were thereby so filled with joy in their 
sufferings, that neither death nor life, nor 
angels, nor principalities, nor any other crea- 
ture, was able to separate them from the love 
of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord; 
for love is strong as death and jealous as the 
grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire 
which hath a most violent flame : many wat- 
ers cannot quench love, neither can the floods 
drown it : if a man would give all the sub- 
stance of his house for love, it would utterly 
be contemned. Solomon's Song S. 

25. Hearken, therefore, daughter, and 
consider, and incline thine ear : forget also 
thine own people, and thy father's house ; so 
shall the King greatly desire thy beauty ; 
for he is thy Lord, and worship thou him ; 
for he that loveth thee is the fairest among 
the children of men, grace is poured upon 
his lips, he loveth righteousness and hateth 
wickedness. Ps. 45. Therefore walk before 
him gently and keep thy garments clean ; 
for though in the eyes of the world thou art 
black, (Sol. Song 1 : 5,) yet art thou comely, 
in that thou art intrinsically magnificent, be- 
ing adorned with jewels of gold. Therefore 
thy Bridegroom sayeth unto thee, Rise up, 
my love, my fair one, and come away: for, 
lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and 
gone ; the flowers appear on the earth, (the 
fruits of the new birth blossom and break 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 329 

forth in our land) the voice of the turtle 
(namely the Spirit of God) is heard in many 
places, the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, 
the vine with the tender grape giveth a good 
smell, his branches spread themselves abroad, 
and the fruits of truth appear to the view. 
thou spiritual Jerusalem, thou dwelling 
place of the Most High, I wish thee joy; 
may all be happy who love thee : peace be 
in thy walls and rejoicing in thy palaces. 
ye ministers of the word, ye threescore va- 
liant men of the valiant of Israel, who are 
about the bed of the Spiritual Solomon : let 
us hold our swords and be ready for war, 
because of fear in the night (Song of Sol. 3); 
let us say with she prophet, For Zion's sake 
will we not hold our peace, and for Jerusa- 
lem's sake we will not rest until the righ- 
teousness thereof go forth as brightness, and 
the salvation thereof as a lamp that burnetii, 
(Is. 62: 1,) and she be established and made 
a praise in the earth. Verse 7. thou 
Bridegroom of our souls ! draw us and we 
follow thee ; bring us into thy chamber, that 
we may rejoice with, thee, and be filled with 
gladness ; we esteem thy love more highly 
than wine, because we have fallen in love 
with thee, thou fairest among the sons of 
men. 

26. Ah, my beloved brethren and sisters ! 
let us just consider what miserable slaves we 
were by nature of sin and the devil ; but he, 

j3 



330 THE ILLUSTRATING MIRE OK. 

who is the Son of the Most High God, King 
of kings and Lord of lords, whom all the 
angels reverence, has taken charge of ns and 
become onr Saviour, has redeemed, washed 
and purified us, has clothed us in the gar- 
ment of salvation and brought us into the 
house of his church, brought us in the Spirit 
to the New Jerusalem, the city of the living 
God, has fallen in love with us as with his 
bride, and chosen us for his own. what 
a display of unmerited grace and inexpressi- 
ble mercy. let us love him and cleave to 
him in faith, knowing at all times, with the 
psalmist, that our help cometh from the 
Lord, who made heaven and earth : he will 
not suffer our feet to be moved ; for he who 
keepeth us, shall neither slumber nor sleep. 
Ps. 121. No man can pluck us out of his 
hand (John 10) ; therefore be of good cheer 
and faint not in bodily tribulations : think of 
him who endured such contradiction of sin- 
ners, despised the shame, and being made- 
perfect through sufferings, has set down at 
the right hand of God, and makes interces- 
sion for the church militant, till the sun of 
grace shall set, when he shall appear in 
judgment and in flaming fire, to take ven- 
geance upon all them that obeyed not his 
gospel. Then shall his church militant, with 
all her members, triumph over sin, death and 
the devil, and shall sing forth the triumphant 
song, Death is swallowed up in victory. 



THE ILLUSTRATING MIRROR. 331 

death ! where is thy sting ? grave ! where 
is thy victory? And we will thank God 
who has given us the victory through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be honor and 
praise for ever and ever. Amen. 

Now I commit you unto God and to his 
love. Oh that this love may ever continue 
to burn with fervor in our hearts to the praise 
of God, in time and eternity, through Jesus 
Christ. Amen. Which is the earnest de- 
sire and prayer of your servant and brother 
in the faith and in the church of Jesus 
Christ, which exists throughout all ages, 
world without end. Amen. Eph. 3; 2h 



j-4 



APPENDIX. 



At the request of many of my brethren and 
friends, I have been induced to append to this 
book a short sketch of my life, stating in few words 
the manner in which a gracious God bore merci- 
fully with me from my youth, and finally called me 
from darkness to light, and delivered me, without 
the least merit of my own, from the power of satan 
through the blood of my Redeemer, to whom alone 
be the praise for ever and ever. 

Moreover, I feel myself the more inclined to 
make known my calling, inasmuch as my brethren 
and I have often been accused of having entered 
upon the formation of our society, purely from 
motives of envy or caprice, and not in consequence 
of a divine calling or a heavenly impulse ; though 
the Lord knows there is no ground for such ac- 
cusation. However, it is not done on my own 
account, or for the reason that I cannot, by the 
help of God, bear such accusation with patience, 
because I have learned that all these things work 
together for good ; but for the sake of others who 
perhaps are withheld by these means from exam- 
ining, or taking properly to heart the true grounds 
of our separation. Therefore, in order to honor 
God and advance the welfare of my neighbor, 
I will recount, with succinctness and in child-like 
simplicity, the good thicgs which the Lord has 



APPENDIX. 333 

done for my soul ; the desire of my heart is, that 
all men may experience like grace with me, through 
Jesus Christ, blessed for ever. Amen. 

In the first place, I must confess with the 
psalmist, that in sin my mother conceived me, 
and that I was shapen in iniquity, (Ps. 51:5,) 
and that all my intents and devices were vain from 
my youth ; but on the other hand I must praise 
Almighty God for his grace in calling upon me 
from my youth, and oftentimes giving me con- 
victive evidence that it was my imperious duty to 
take heed and beware of sin. Though my mental 
powers were but slightly developed, yet my mind 
was often deeply impressed by the admonitions of 
my father ; for, thanks be to God, he gave us 
much good advice from our tender years, showing 
us, from the holy scriptures, the evil nature and 
fearful tendency of sin, and explaining, moreover, 
that it was incumbent upon us to know, by the 
grace of God, what things are sinful and avoid 
them, and through faith and repentance to lay 
hold on Christ, and be justified through him alone. 
This was to me, at that time, entirely incompre- 
hensible. Would to God that all parents might 
observe this towards their children ; I believe it 
would be attended with a happy result, even if 
the parents should not live to see it. 

About the twelfth or thirteenth year of my age 
I had a particular warning of God in a vision of 
the night, in which my eyes were opened to a 
sense of the multitude and deformity of my sins. 
I saw plainly that I was already condemned by 
the justice of God, nay, the most trifling plays 
appeared to me altogether damnable ; I could see 
them all spread before me like a roll, every one 



334 APPENDIX. 

accusing me, every one appearing great enough to 
condemn me. what extreme anguish and op- 
pressive fear seized upon my soul ! In the midst 
of my agony I sighed and prayed to God for grace, 
and made a solemn vow, that, if he would be 
merciful to me, I would serve him all the days of 
my life, which thing I firmly resolved to do ; for 
sin was a terror to me. I thought, if I would 
have to appear before God and his judgment in 
this state, how should I stand ? which judgment 
was represented to me in another vision. I saw 
Christ and a great multitude of holy angels de- 
scending from heaven in great glory ; the arch- 
angel blew the trumpet of God ; the dead arose ; 
all nations were gathered before the judgment seat 
of Christ, and with eyes intent they gazed upon 
the judge, waiting in suspense the issue of their 
sentence ; I saw the righteous ascend to meet the 
Lord in the air, after the voice was heard, Come, 
&c. My father, who was standing at my side, 
was also taken up ; I looked after him, as Elisha 
did after Elijah, but was unable to follow; he 
called to me, when he was near Christ, to come 
after him ; but I replied, I cannot till I am called. 
The anguish of my soul was extreme; I looked 
with piteous eyes upon the judge, if, haply, I 
might incline him in compassion to call me also ; 
but I trembled every instant for fear he would say, 
Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared 
for the devil and his angels, which fire I supposed 
to be the earth and the elements, which would be 
changed in the twinkling of an eye into a lake of 
brimstone, for the punishment of ungodly men. 
In this agony of mind I awoke. Any person may 
imagine the state of my feeling ; I thought I must 



APPENDIX. 335 

surely be lost ; I called upon God. as far as I was 
able, but was afraid he would not hear my prayer. 
I was very much concerned for my brothers and 
sisters, (as also for all men) for I perceived that 
they also were sinners as well as myself, and 
were not aware of their situation ; I was afraid 
they would have to perish along with me, so much 
so, that it appeared to be incumbent upon me to 
open my mind to them, and warn them of their 
sins ; but in this I hesitated. At length, how- 
ever, I explained myself in writing, and presented 
to their view the horror which the judgment to 
come would carry with it to the minds of the un- 
prepared. Having finished the writing, I left it 
lying on the table, and went out of doors weeping. 
In a short time I became very much ashamed, and 
wished I had not done so ; I was very loath to go 
into the house again ; for I thought they would 
all be looking at me ; yet it was nothing but a 
temptation. When I went in, my father addressed 
me affectionately, and made inquiry concerning 
the state of my mind. But, influenced by fear, I 
made no reply ; for, if I related to him what I 
had seen, I was apprehensive that he might per- 
haps say that I labored under a delusion, which 
would have greatly increased the intensity of my 
anguish ; nevertheless he continued to address me, 
and brought to view the promises of Christ, &c, 
but I could not obtain any consolation. 

A few days after I disclosed my feelings to my 
mother, telling her how it was with me, and what 
I had seen, and that I w.as afraid there was no 
mercy for me. She then talked to me, comforted 
me with many words, and charged me to cleave 
to God and follow his calling, and so he would 

j6 



336 APPENDIX. 

not forsake me ; upon this I made a firm resolve 
never more to sin wilfully against God. But, 
alas, much resolved and little done ! For it hap- 
pened, after God had imparted some consolation, 
and I had hopes he would yet be merciful, that 
the terror of future judgment began to vanish by 
degrees, youthful lusts were revived, shame and 
bashf illness gained the ascendency, I was afraid 
to confess Christ, and in this way I at length ap- 
proved again of things, which before were an abom- 
ination, yet not without remorse. My conscience 
accused me very sharply at first, representing my 
former feelings and my promises to God, at the 
same time reminding me, that, if I died in that 
condition, I must be eternally lost ; nevertheless 
I considered it impossible for me to resist. Thus, 
miserable sinner that I was, the longer the more 
deeply 1 became involved in sins ; as I increased 
in years I increased also in sin, yet God by his 
grace did not leave me entirely without convictions. 
O my feelings, when I think upon the everlasting 
mercy of God, how long he bore in patience with 
me, faithless jebel, and how long I offended and 
provoked him to whet his sword to wrath to make 
me, an example of his vengeance. But he had 
better things in store for me ; he called me, he 
convinced me of my unrighteousness ; at times he 
presented to my view death, judgment and the 
condemnation of the ungodly, at times the grace 
of the gospel and the eternal beatitude and glory 
of heaven : but all was insufficient, at that time, 
to humble my proud and haughty heart. I went 
on in sin, in vain lies, in flaunting, in parade and 
rioting, in frivolity and sensuality ; I feared neither 
God nor his word, I followed the way of the world 



APPENDIX, 337 

and the prince of the power of the air. Behold, 
so shamefully did I withstand the grace of God 
and spend my juvenile days in sin ; I could speak 
presumptuously against light and knowledge, well 
aware that I was on the broad way that leadeth 
to hell One time as I and some others were 
riding together from a volatile company, my horse 
took fright, and, not being able to hold him, he 
ran off, and stumbling, threw me more than a rod 
from him on the hard frozen ground, without doing 
me any further injury. O, I thought to myself, 
if I was now killed, nothing less than eternal de- 
struction would be my portion ! But, the danger 
past, I lived as before ; if any young person died, 
it made me partially afraid $ for I thought, per- 
haps it will soon be my turn, and if death was to 
come, how could I stand before the awful judg- 
ment ! I thought, at times, if I get sick I will 
repent and pray earnestly to God for grace, and 
it may be that he will show me mercy. Now it 
happened that I took sick of a pretty severe fever, 
but could feel no repentance, no sorrow for my 
sins. By this God gave me to understand that 
he alone had the power of giving repentance ; and 
I was convinced that it did not depend upon my 
running or willing, but upon the mercy of God. 
But all was of no avail ; for after recovery I made 
still further advances in sin, being more exposed 
to vain and frivolous company, though my parents 
frequently rebuked me ; I thought, however, that 
as long as I remained single it would be impossi- 
ble for me to do otherwise. Yea, I often wished 
(but dreadfully, when I think upon it) that my 
parents had never given me religious instruc- 
tions, as I saw that other parents gave their 



338 APPENDIX. 

children every liberty, even setting them a pattern 
in sin ; nay, I wished, at times, that I had never 
obtained any light from God, that I might be 
entirely ignorant ; because I believed my ac- 
countability would not be so great. 0, my soul 
is amazed when I recall this to mind. O how des- 
perately wicked is the heart of man when in 
possession of satan. O that all men might take 
warning by me, and not so withstand the grace 
of God. God, remember not the sins of my 
youth, nor my daily transgressions, but remember 
me in thy great mercy. 

In this my season of levity I often thought, 
that if God would preserve me till I was married, 
I would then serve him better. But what is the 
resolution of man ? I at length got married, and 
soon saw that my purpose was vain ; for now I 
had a family to provide for, now came the cares 
of the world and business of various kinds with 
which I was occupied ; but it appeared to me that 
I had no time to devote to the one thing needful. 

the miserable condition of man ! 

The second year after I was married, my 
brother-in-law was seized with an inflammatory 
fever, lost his reason, and in this condition passed 
into eternity ; this circumstance made a deep im- 
pression upon my mind. I was convinced that if 

1 was thus to be snatched into eternity, I should 
be irretrievably lost. 0, I thought, what a mis- 
erable fool 1 am, to live thus in contrariety to the 
will of God, not knowing what instant death may 
overtake me. At this time I formed a new res- 
olution to follow my convictions ; but it was of 
short duration ; I was ashamed to acquaint my 
wife, much less other people, with my intention, 



APPENDIX. 33-9 

because I perceived that, if I followed niy convic- 
tions, it would be necessary for me to make an 
entire change in the regulation of my household : 
but then it appeared to me that, if I would no 
longer permit vain and trifling liberties, neither 
hired man nor maid would stay with me, and how 
then could I keep house. 

From this time my father grew more and more 
infirm, and his life hastened rapidly to a conclu- 
sion ; then his admonitions came frequently into 
my mind, as he had often given us warnings and 
exhortations from a tender age ; the powerful 
call made in my youth, my promise to God, and 
how shamefully I transgressed and consented to 
sin, were oftentimes so plainly presented to my 
view, that I was constrained to groan and say to 
myself, Miserable man that I am, who have de- 
served a damnation two-fold greater than others, 
in that I have sinned so outrageously against light 
and knowledge. For I supposed that others, 
though more under the dominion of the works of 
the flesh than myself, would yet have less to 
answer for, inasmuch as I believed they were more 
ignorant, (nevertheless ignorance justifies no man 
before God.) Notwithstanding all these convic- 
tions I still remained too much in the old way. 
About this time my father gave us his last earn- 
est admonition in taking leave of us at his depar- 
ture into eternity. He said among other words : 
My dear children, I have often warned and faith- 
fully counselled you that you should fear God and 
invoke him for grace, but hitherto it has had no 
effect ; you have not harkened to me, you have 
set at nought my counsel, you still live too much 
in the security of sin, which is a grievous burden 



MO APPENDIX. 

to my heart ; bow I go to eternity, and counsel 
you for the last time ; repent and amend before it 
is too late ; humble yourselves under the mighty 
hand of God ; put off the old man which is dead 
in trespasses and sins, and put on the new man 
that is fashioned after the image of God in right- 
eousness and true holiness, and pray God for his 
assistance, and he will send you his Spirit, who 
will strengthen you and guide you in the way of 
all truth, yea, prepare you for a happy eternity, 
where we can rejoice with one another in inex- 
pressible joys in the midst of the chosen of God. 
But if you continue in sin till death, we now shall 
soon part, and part for ever. Yet, continued he, 
I do hope that my prayer will not be entirely 
lost ; but my longing to God is, that he may yet 
grant you grace to repent, which is my earnest 
desire and supplication to God, day and night. 

This discourse affected my heart to such a de- 
gree that I spent almost the whole time I was 
going home in weeping and supplication. O, I 
thought, if I could only resign my heart and will 
to God I To do this was my earnest desire ; but 
the cross was still in the way. I would gladly 
have become a follower of Christ, if I could, at 
the same time, have retained the friendship of the 
world. I studied seriously whether I could not 
serve God in secret, without making it known to 
any person, but I found that this was not suffi- 
cient ; for frequently (when I was desirious of 
concealing my convictions) I felt condemned in 
my own mind. Hence I avoided trifling company 
more and more ; still I was ashamed to confess 
Christ, which often occasioned great self-accusa- 
tion and remorse of conscience, to think I was so 



APPENDIX. 341 

unfaithful to God. Behold the obstinacy of my 
self-will ! Shortly after this my father died. 
About this time I became acquainted with some 
persons who were in an enquiring and distressed 
condition. I made known to them the state of 
my mind, and received in return a considerable 
portion of comfort ; but afterwards I encountered 
great opposition. Satan, the world and the flesh 
made a powerful assault, and represented to me 
that- it would be impossible for me to get through 
the world, if I lived such a life as I was well con- 
vinced was the duty of a follower of Jesus ; and 
even if I would do so for a length of time, I would 
not persevere, but after a while I would grow 
luke-warm and careless, as in my first call. Here 
I had a great struggle ; I wished betimes I had 
not opened my mind to any person ; then I thought 
again,"poor wretch that I am ! would it not be 
better to live with God in the greatest poverty 
and despicability, than to live with the world in 
the greatest pleasure, and at last go to hell ? 
Thus, finding no rest in my conscience, I was 
tossed to and fro for a considerable length of time, 
like a ship without a rudder. I groaned and 
prayed to God that he would cleanse me in the 
blood of Jesus, and grant me faith so that I might 
be able to withstand all the buffetings of satan ; 
but in all this I did not follow my calling as I 
should have done, for which reason my prayer 
was without power, being always mixed with 
doubt, mistrust, and want of faith, so that I 
thought I could never be able to do what was 
right, I might just as well go on with the world 
in the old way of the flesh, &c. 

About this time I built my barn, at the raising 



342 APPENDIX. 

of which one man lost his life, and another was 
made a cripple ; which accident made a very pow- 
erful impression upon my mind ; I thought it 
might have happened on account of my sins. I 
prayed to God anew with a longing and ardent 
desire that he would yet look upon me in mercy 
and pardon my sins. Some weeks after I w?s 
very near falling off the building, which circum- 
stance alarmed me very much. I thanked God 
with a sincere heart for his mercy in rescuing me 
from temporal and eternal death. 

Behold, so long did my flesh and sinful will 
withhold me from God. I was desirous of being 
freed from my sins ; but entirely to deny my own 
will and take up the cross of Christ, was always 
a doctrine too hard for me, till once, when I was 
revolving my condition in mind, I saw how long 
I halted between two opinions, and what would 
finally be my portion. Then it appeared to me 
as if I was upon my deathbed, my neighbors and 
friends stood around • they gave me the parting 
hand, and bewailed my departure, without being 
able to afford me any consolation ; I looked upon 
them a picture of sorrow ; my conscience told 
me, thou hadst greater love for men than for God, 
their honor was dearer to thee than his honor ; 
the preservation of their friendship was thy aim, 
therefore the enmity of God abideth against thee ; 
now thou art constrained to forsake them, and 
God will forsake thee ; they cannot help thee, 
therefore thou criest, and he hears thee not, but 
leaves thee to eat the fruit of thy own way and be 
filled with thy own devices. Prov. 1. What 
would it profit thee now, even if thou hadst 
gained the whole world, and lost thy poor soul f 



APPENDIX. 343 

Or what wouldst thou give in exchange for thy 
soul ? O miserable fool ! wilt thou waste more 
time in deliberating ? Wilt thou halt still longer 
between two opinions ? If the Lord is God, then 
serve him ; if Baal or the world, then serve it. 
To this remonstrance my soul made answer, 
What is the world, friends, honor, and things of 
sense, but an empty shadow that passes away 
and leaves no trace behind - t ought I to riot any 
longer therein, and feed myself on vanity ? Ah 
no, I have sought too long to satisfy myself 
therewith, and still remain an empty, ruined and 
defective soul : it is Jesus alone and his blood 
that is able to satisfy me and make me perfect in 
him. Ah, here my will was bowed, nought was 
my choice but Christ and his cross, which I was 
now willing to bear. Now, I said, I will follow 
thee, if nobody else will ; for thou art the only 
and the true friend, who can help me in time and 
eternity. Then, methought, I heard Christ say, 
Who are my friends but them that do the will of 
my Father, the same are my mother, my sisters 
and my brothers. O what consolation did I not 
derive from these words ! My soul was trans- 
ported, as it were, in ecstacy of love and joy ; I 
felt as if they had been addressed to myself, and 
as though Christ, out of fraternal love and com- 
passion, had received me into the number of his 
friends. Oh, how vain and insignificant did the 
ungodly appear ! the righteous how grand and 
illustrious ! I saw Christ so powerful in them, 
and his word so vivifying, that I no longer won- 
dered how it came that the martyrs were so joy- 
ful amidst the most cruel and barbarous tortures, 
and so steadfast even unto death ; because they 



344 APPENDIX. 

had respect to the recompeDse of reward. Ah, I 
said to myself, how long have I held to two opin- 
ions, desiring to serve both God and mammon! 
How much remorse, how many accusings of con- 
science had I to endure ! O, miserable sinner, 
had I long since followed Christ, taken his easy 
yoke upon me, yea, borne it from my youth, I 
had long since tasted this sweetness ; for what is 
sweeter than the love of Christ ? what more re- 
freshing than to be taken into his bosom ? and 
what more thrilling than to hear, Peace be with 
thee, thy sins are forgiven ! I thought I should 
never more be dejected. But, ah, when the Lord 
hid the light of his countenance from me, I sank 
into weakness ; new temptations befelme, against 
which I had to contend, and which would be too 
tedious to enumerate. Yet divine grace, through 
faith in Jesus and his promises, always gave me 
the victory, and I increased continually in the 
knowledge of Jesus Christ and his doctrine : to 
God alone be the praise, for ever and ever, Amen. 
At this time I and some others assembled toge- 
ther at times, in order to admonish and strength- 
en one another in the love of God and his word. 
For we saw clearly by he light of Christ and his 
doctrine, that in Christendom there was a great 
apostacy from God, and that almost all flesh took 
its own way on the earth ; for pride, vanity, ly- 
ing and deceit, suing and going to law, party 
spirit and striving for worldly superiority in- 
creased in appearance from day to day, even 
among those who boast of a christian faith op- 
posed to the use of weapons, offensive o r de- 
fensive. They would not take sword in hand 
against their enemies, but they bore it in their 



APPENDIX. 345 

mouth against the opposite party, in order to 
overcome them. One party persecuted another 
with invectives and calumny, so great a tongue- 
war and contention arising therefrom, that neigh- 
bor often detested neighbor, and friend, friend • 
for both parties strove by falsehood and misrep- 
resentation to make themselves strong against 
the day of general election, which would decide 
the mighty contest. Considering all these things 
one with another by the doctrine and spirit of 
Christ, we perceived clearly, that not only the pro- 
testant churches and great sects who approve the 
the use of the sword, but also those who style them- 
selves indefensive, depend upon the arm of flesh, 
having their hearts turned away from the Lord, 
an evil greatly to be lamented. Ah, the vail of 
Moses is upon their heart, and remains untaken 
away in the reading of the old testament ; which 
vail is done away in Christ. 2 Cor. 3. 

Together with these things we observed the 
carnal, vain and haughty life of baptized mem- 
bers, their living in the lust of ihe world and of 
the flesh, which I often observed and experienced 
in my time ; for I have been in company with the 
old, middle aged, and young men (who, as they 
supposed, had received baptism upon their own 
confession) in drinking and rioting, where a per- 
son could hear nothing but the world, jests, folly, 
buffoonery and uninstructive discourses, though 
we should let no corrupt communication proceed 
out of our mouth, but that which is good to the 
use of edifying, that it may administer grace unto 
the hearers. Eph. 4 : 29. Eph. 5 : 4. 

As regards myself, I am free to confess before 
God and man, that at that time I lived without 



346 APPENDIX. 

God and his word, and was going the broad way 
of the flesh that leadeth to destruction ; this I 
have since felt in its full weight. At the same 
time I was sensible that such baptized and de- 
fenceless members (as they styled themselves) 
were no more circumspect in their walk than my- 
self, as was evidenced by their fruits ; though 
by repentance they should already have arisen 
through faith from the dead works of the flesh, 
before they were baptized, and thus through faith, 
have, in baptism, buried their sins into the death 
of Christ, and consequently have walked with 
him in newness of life. Rom. 6. From all this 
we could plainly discover that the teachers must 
be blind and asleep to their charge, at the time 
that it is their duty to watch ; for they do not 
examine the men, before baptism, whether they 
have been brought from death to life, and from 
the bondage of sin to the obedience of righteous- 
ness, so that (on account of the forgiveness of 
their sins) they may have the answer of a good 
conscience towards God, by the resurrection of 
Jesus Christ. But they baptise them while they 
are yet the servants of sin and death ; hence no 
good fruit is to be expected, even after the bap- 
tism, as long as they remain unconverted. There- 
fore Christ says, Either make the tree good and 
his fruit good ; or else make the tree corrupt and 
his fruit corrupt : for the tree is known by his 
fruit. ye generation of vipers, how can ye, 
being evil, speak good things ? for out of the 
abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 
Matt. 12 : 33, 34. # 

Had the Mennonist teachers in our day pos- 
sessed the Spirit of God, like Menno Simon, and 



APPENDIX. 347 

carried out their doctrine to the same extent, we 
would never have separated from them. For he 
speaks of baptism as follows, (page 41st) : " At- 
tend to the word of the Lord ; the apostle Paul, 
who did not receive his gospel from man, but 
from God, informs us, That as Christ died and 
was buried, so we also should die unto our sins, 
and be buried with Christ in baptism ; not that 
it behooves us to do this after baptism, but we 
must have commenced and accomplished all this 
beforehand, even as he says, If we are planted 
with him to a like death, we shall have with him 
a like resurrection, knowing that our old man is 
crucified with him, that the body of sin may be 
done away : for he that is dead is free from sin, 
and as Christ, having once died and taken away 
sin, lives now unto God, so all true christians die 
also unto their sins and live unto God.' 7 

Further, writing to the despisers of baptism, 
he holds this language, (page 75) : " Think not 
that we place so much stress upon the element 
and the ceremony ; I speak the truth in Christ 
and lie not; if any man, whether emperor or king, 
was to come to me with the desire of being bap- 
tized, if he still walked in the impure, ungodly 
lusts of the flesh, if the blameless, penitent, and 
new life was wanting, I hope by the grace of God 
that I would choose rather to die than to baptise 
such an impenitent, carnal minded person. For 
where the renovating and revivifying faith which 
leads to repentance, does not exist, there is no 
baptism; as Philip said to the Eunuch, if thou 
believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. Acts 
8. But it is necessary that you should under- 
stand, in addition, that if the candidate for bap- 



348 APPENDIX. 

tism comes forward with a deceitful heart in the 
appearance of faith, his hypocrisy is reckoned 
for sin, not to the baptizer, but to the subject 
himself." So much for JVlenno. 

But that the teachers of the present time are 
not imposed upon by appearance and feigned 
piety, is easily seen ; if a person should haply 
endeavor to exculpate himself in this way. For 
if this was the case, they would separate them- 
selves from them after their fruits became mani- 
fest, and would have no company with them, that 
they might be ashamed, (2 Thess. 3. 1 Cor. 5. 
Matt. 18,) which thing is not practised, as is well 
known. 

The twenty-eighth article of the christian faith 
of the Mennonists reads thus : Concerning chris- 
tian punishment and the seperation of offending 
members, it is confessed as follows, namely, that 
as a house or city cannot subsist without doors, 
gates and wails, (or a good police) through and 
by which wicked persons are driven and fastened 
out, but the good and upright retained and pro- 
tected ; so Christ (for the sustentation of his 
church) has given her the key of heaven, (which 
is his word) that by and through the same all 
persons under her jurisdiction, who are found to 
offend in doctrine or conversation, (that is, to 
act in contrariety to any commandment and ordi- 
nance given by God to his church) may receive 
sentence of punishment in the spirit of truth, for 
their amelioration ; and the disobedient be thus 
separated from her community, to the end that 
the church may not (by their false doctrine and 
impure conversation) be soured, contaminated 
and made participant of their sins ; and that it 



APPENDIX. 349 

may strike a terror into the righteous, so as to 
restrain them from the commission of similar of- 
fences. 

Likewise in the 29th article it is confessed, that 
as the separating is commanded by God, in order 
to reclaim the sinner and preserve the purity of 
the church ; so hath God likewise commanded 
and ordained that a person should withdraw from 
and avoid the separated member, that he may be 
made ashamed and his life be amended. This 
withdrawing proceeds from the separation, being 
a fruit and evidence of the same, without which 
the separation is null and void of effect ; it is 
therefore the duty of believers to observe and 
maintain this ordinance in regard to the persons 
separated. This withdrawing consists in with- 
holding from them the spiritual communion of 
the supper, the evangelic salutation, the kiss of 
peace, together with what appertains thereto : it 
is, moreover, incumbent to withdraw from them 
in all temporal and secular affairs, as eating, 
drinking, buying and selling, daily walk and in- 
tercourse, together with the attending circum- 
stances; and no person should be excused or 
excepted, whether husband or wife, parent or 
child, or any other relation. 

In the 2Tth article concerning the magistracy 
it is confessed, that the magistracy is an ordi- 
nance and institution of God, who has ordained 
and established such power in all countries, &c. 
Whoever wishes to read the whole, is at liberty 
to do so. But at the close it is confessed, that 
as Christ set an example to believers in avoiding 
all the grandeur of the world, and exhibiting 
himself in the form of a servant : so it is incum- 



350 . APPENDIX. 

bent upon all his followers to take no part in the 
administration of the magisterial office, or any 
branch of it, following in this also the example of 
Christ and his apostles, under whose churches (as 
every well informed person knows) these specified 
offices were not administered. 

Dear reader, observe how far the Mennonists 
have departed from their original principles. 
The separation of offending members is practised 
very seldom ; the shunning of the separated has 
fallen entirely into disuse, at least in our part of 
the world, as far as my information extends. 
The article last cited says, that it is incumbent 
upon the followers of Christ to take no part in 
the administration of the magisterial office or 
any branch of it. Now the Mennonist", though 
they may be unwilling to hold an office them- 
selves, yet they assist others in getting into office, 
are free to sit in courts of justice and pronounce 
sentence of guilty or not guilty upon prisoners 
arraigned at the bar, sue and go to law, repel 
force with force ; and all in direct contrariety to 
the doctrine of Christ and the principles of their 
own confession of faith, which I could abundant- 
ly illustrate with proof from the holy scripture, 
nay, I have already explained it in my writings, 
and even teachers have frequently confessed to 
me that this state of things ought not to be, and 
that they themselves had no such freedom. But 
notwithstanding all this they leave the matter 
rest, and with deep regret be it said, they pro- 
ceed according to their former usage, not consid- 
ering that they will have to render an account to 
God, when the blood of their hearers will be re- 
quired at their hands. 



APPENDIX. 351 

For as much as we clearly perceived, as above 
mentioned, that this church was far departed 
from her first love and from the fundamental 
principles of christian faith, and had thus fallen 
short of the true doctrine, so that most generally 
every one sought his own and not the things of 
Jesus, which, it is to be feared, is too much the 
case at the present day in regard to all sects ; 
therefore I and several others were unable to see 
any other way, according to the tenor of the word 
of God, than with Noah, Abraham, Moses, the 
prophets and true Israelites, the apostles and wit- 
nesses of the truth, to separate ourselves from all 
unrighteousness and false doctrine, and in our 
secession to abide alone in God and his word, 
and to pray to God that he would grant us, and 
all sincere souls, a greater and greater knowledge 
of the way of truth, which is Christ, and that he 
would send forth faithful laborers into his harvest. 

One day I was greatly distressed in spirit in 
regard to myself and other afflicted souls, because 
I perceived clearly that great numbers were mis- 
erably deluded. I besought God to have mercy 
upon me and upon every mourning soul, and to 
take upon him the care of his scattered flock, in 
accordance with his promise. The evening of the 
same day my heart was so oppressed and afflict- 
ed on account of the decadency of the christian 
church, that I prayed God with burning tears 
and ardent desires, to have mercy upon us and 
send forth faithful laborers, shepherds and teach- 
ers, who might feed his people with the doctrine 
of truth. And while I was engaged in prayer 
the following answer was given me in the Spirit : 
Thy constant prayer and desire to God is, that he 



352 APPENDIX. 

would prepare others for this work ; but thou 
dost not yield thyself to God, as clay to the pot- 
ter, that he may form of thee in time and eternity 
that which is pleasing in his sight. This was a 
severe stroke. I wept before God, and for some 
time had nothing to say; but bv and by I felt 
my will entirely sunk in God, so that I answered, 
Here am I, Lord, do with me in time and eterni- 
ty that which is pleasing in thy sight ; thy will 
be done in me ; prepare me according to thy 
good pleasure. 

After this I went to bed : I could not sleep, 
but sighed constantly to God. Instantly, being 
in a vision, I was in the midst of a spacious field, 
and saw, in a peculiar manner, the fallen condi- 
tion of Christendom. The numerous sects were 
represented as many decayed buildings, the walls 
of which were full of breaches, and there was no 
man who stood in the chasm. As I was gazing 
upon this, I received a command from Christ to 
engage in the work of the Lord, to pull down, 
break to pieces, build, plant, &c. before the com- 
ing of the great and notable day of the Lord. 
When I came to myself, I wondered very much 
at the vision, and being greatly perplexed, I 
groaned and prayed to the Lord, and said, O 
God, if it is thy holy will to make choice of me, 
a poor, unworthy sinner, for this important ser- 
vice, and to make me, who am the least among 
those who fear thee, an instrument in thy Al- 
mighty hand for the promotion of thy honor and 
for the melioration of the condition of my fellow 
men ; grant me then, God, the influence of thy 
Holy Spirit, and the pure and undefiled wisdom 
which is concealed in Christ, my Lord, and which 



APPENDIX. 353 

was present with thee in all thy works, and still 
is present ; permit the same to accompany me, 

God, that in the integrity of my heart I may 
walk circumspectly before thee in thy truth, and 
live no longer unto myself but unto thee, God, 
in Jesus Christ, my Lord. I spent perhaps an 
hour in supplication to God, when, suddenly, I 
stood in the place I had been before, saw the 
same things, and heard the same command. At 
length I recovered myself; completely confound- 
ed and in tears, I earnestly entreated God for his 
strength, for I thought surely I must sink down 
in my unworthiness. At last I had a mind to 
waken my wife, who was asleep, and tell her what 

1 had seen ; but as I was about to do this, it ap- 
peared to me I should not, but should surrender 
to God ; and immediately I felt myself resigned 
to his will. 

About an hour after, beiag either in the spirit, 
or in a vision, (God knows) I was in the midst of 
a spacious field, not in the same place as the two 
former times, but in another direction : however 
I saw the same things as before, with this differ- 
ence, that there was more shown me here than I 
had seen the other times ; nevertheless I will not 
mention any thing particularly but the following : 
there were shown me very elegant stones, all 
glittering, and exhibiting the appearance of hav- 
ing been fitted to each other, though they lay 
scattered all about ; with these I was to begin 
the building. There was shown me afterwards 
in a mountain a vast number of rough and un- 
hewn stones, which I was to quarry out ; this 
being (as was shown me) all that I could do with 
them ; after they came out of the mountain they 



354 APPENDIX. 

were changed by the influence of an invisible 
power, and received a shape and brilliancy simi- 
lar to those I had first seen. This afforded me 
great joy and encouragement in building ; for I 
perceived that these stones, so beautifully dress- 
ed, fitted one another like the stones in Solomon's 
Temple, so that neither hammer nor iron instru- 
ment was required on the building. From this 
I was conveyed to another place, where I ob- 
served a large door at the entrance of an abyss, 
upon which Christ set his foot, and laying his 
hands upon his breast, he looked up to heaven 
and cried with a loud voice, Now is the mystery 
of God fulfilled and eternity seaLd ip And 
presently I herd a horrific sound us of awful 
and loud crashing thunder, the earth was con- 
vulsed, heaven and the elements were moved from 
their place and began to vanish away. Having 
come to, I lay in great agitation, laboring under 
the impression that my dissolution was at hand ; 
I wept and sighed to God for help and assistance ; 
I prayed for the influence of the Holy Spirit to 
enable me to stand before his omnipotent justice 
and be controlled by his will. 

It was now my belief that God had called me 
to his work ; yet not that I should trust entirely 
to this vision, but that I should wait and see what 
God would further have me do. For I was con- 
vinced, if the call was divine, that God would 
dispose of me according to his righteous will ; to 
which will I now resigned myself, that it might 
be done in me. I now opened my mind to my 
wife on condition that she should tell nobody, 
lest my brethren might think that God had called 
me to the ministry, or, perhaps, desire me to 



APPENDIX. 355 

teach, which at this time I could not consent to ; 
for it was my firm belkf that, when it pleased 
God to make me an instrument in his hand, he 
would control me at his own time, and clothe me 
with more power from on high. 

After a considerable length of time my breth- 
ren and I considered it for our good to meet to- 
gether with more formality, that is, first, to sing 
a spiritual song in praise of God, agreeably to 
the injunction of Paul, who instructs us to ad- 
monish one another with psalms and hymns and 
spiritual songs, making melody in our hearts to 
the Lord (Eph. 5 : 19) ; secondly, with united 
prayer to supplicate God for his grace and bless- 
ing : thirdly, that we all should speak our minds 
in a sincere and childlike manner, according to 
the manifestation of the Spirit, but in succession, 
since God is a God of order : and fourthly, to 
conclude our meeting with prayer, thanksgiving 
and a spiritual song. My brethren now desired 
me to conduct the service — a very grievous re- 
quest indeed , for I found myself extremely weak 
and unworthy in regard to the undertaking, 
wherefore I endeavored to excuse myself for this 
time ; but they, in reply, asserted as their firm 
belief that God had called me to the work. At 
last I consented to this, that I would take the 
precedence in our mutual exhortations, if the 
Lord would impart somewhat of instruction, and 
that every one, notwithstanding, should take the 
liberty of making known, in simplicity of spirit, 
his own feelings and experience. In this way 
we met together for a good while, and obtained 
the blessing of God ; our hearts were confirmed 
in love towards God and one another, till at 



356 APPENDIX. 

length some persons accused us of holding our 
meetings so privately, adding that if there was 
anything good we ought to let others partake of 
it. This accusation made, at first, a powerful 
impression upon us ; yet we prayed fervently to 
God that he would not forsake us, but lead us at 
will, that being neither too hasty nor too tardy, 
we might walk in all things according to his good 
pleasure. 

If any one should ask the reason why we held 
our meetings privately, knowing that Christ says, 
He that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his 
deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought 
in God. John 3: 21. 

I answer, that the sole reason is, that I ever 
considered myself too incompetent, for the time 
being, to act as a public teacher; for on one side 
I saw the danger a person in the ministry is ex- 
posed to, the temptations to be encountered with- 
in and without, the weakness and diffidence of 
my juvenile years, the craft and subtility of many 
men ; so that I lay frequently under a heavy 
pressure, and prayed fervently to God to mani- 
fest his gracious will, and instruct me in what I 
should do ; for my sole desire was to do his will 
in Christ Jesus. 

On the other hand I saw the disordered condi- 
tion of poor Christendom, and the numerous souls 
held captive therein, as Israel of old in Babylon ; 
yea, I perceived that the Lord had reason to 
complain, as he did of Israel in former times, I 
have not sent these prophets, yet they ran : I 
have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. 
But if they had stood in my counsel, and had 
caused my people to hear my words, then they 



APPENDIX. 357 

should have turned from their evil ways, and from 
the evil of their doings. Jeremiah 23. 

At last I gave up to put my talent to usury ac- 
cording as God imparted to me the measure of 
faith, by the influence of his Spirit, to him alone 
be the praise, who has at all times comforted and 
supported me in all the infirmities under which I 
have frequently groaned. Yes, from the depth 
of my soul I thank the everlasting God, through 
Jesus Christ, who granted me blessing, power 
and success in speaking his word without timidity, 
and made it fruitful in the hearts of many, who, 
by the hearing of the word have been brought to 
believe, yea, have been turned, through Jesus, 
from darkness to light, and from the power of 
satan to God. So that I began (as mentioned) 
to labor at this holy city and temple, not only 
with the word of repentance and faith, but also 
with the holy baptism, supper, footwashing and 
all the apostolic ordinances, and to join the fallen 
and scattered stones (which were shewn me in the 
vision) together again for a spiritual body and 
temple of the Lord. Moreover, the Lord of 
mercy rendered me assistance, by the word of his 
power, in bringing the rough and unshapen stones 
from the mountain of sublimity and carnal rea- 
son ; which stones, through the hidden power of 
the Holy Spirit, were, and daily are, changed, 
hewn or dressed, and made brilliant by the rays 
of Eternal Light; to the eternal and only wise 
God, the Father of mercies and all good, be alone 
the honor and the praise, through Jesus Christ, 
for ever and ever, Amen. 

From all this every candid inquirer may infer 
that our society did not originate from motives 



358 APPENDIX. 

of envy or capri e, as we are accused, but from 
a divine impulse, through the power of the Spirit 
of God. And on the other hand, if you impar- 
tially consider the doctrine of Christ and his 
apostles, and examine the confessions of the in- 
defensive and holy martyrs, you will find that we 
have commenced nothing new, nothing but what 
you have heard from the beginning, though at 
the present time it appears new ; for it has al- 
ways been the case, when the light of truth has 
broken forth, that darkness has not comprehended 
it, but opposed and exclaimed against it as being 
selfishness, sedition, and a deceptive spirit, as 
history and the holy scripture abundantly show. 
But, be this as it may, truth remains truth, and 
the same all the candid take to heart. There- 
fore be of good cheer and fear not, all ye who 
have known the truth : for the Lord is our 
strength and our refuge in the day of affliction. 
Jer. 16 : 19. All those who revile and perse- 
cute us for the truth's sake, shall finally be 
ashamed and be as nothing. Is. 41 : 11, 12. 
Therefore my dearly beloved and chosen children, 
who are scattered abroad in the world, and have 
tasted that the Lord is gracious ; I, your un- 
worthy servant, exhort you with Paul, by the 
mercy of God, that you preserve that which is 
committed to your care, and walk irreproachably 
in the calling whereunto God hath called you, 
that you may walk worthy of the gospel of Jef us 
Christ, in all humility and meekness, in temper- 
ance, christian modesty, and true selfdenial : ful- 
fil the commandments of our Lord, love your 
neighbor as yourself ; do to others as you would 
wish to be done by ; be compassionate and faith- 



APPENDIX, 359 

ful towards all men, be merciful as your Father 
in heaven is also merciful ; love one another, as 
Christ loved you and still loves, if you abide 
in him ; forgive one another, as he has forgiven 
you ; let the word of Christ dwell richly among 
you in all wisdom ; use unprofitable words 
sparingly, but in abundance those that are good 
to the use of edifying, that they may administer 
grace to the hearers ; grieve not the Holy Spirit 
of God, whereby you are sealed against the day 
of redemption : use the world in moderation and 
regularity : act honorably in all your dealings 
and occupations; lay up treasure in heaven that 
waxes not old, for the fashion of this world 
passeth away. my beloved children in Christ, 
the times are dangerous ; satan, the world, and 
our own flesh strive to rob us of our divine and 
saving faith, and make us cold in love. Oh lift 
up your heads and watch ; for, lo, some have 
fallen already, and are again entangled in the 
world ; wherefore lay not down your weapons, 
fight the more manfully, and faint not. He who 
has called you and chosen you out of the world, 
will most surely (if you abide in him) preserve 
this pledge for you against the last day. O re- 
flect upon the exceeding riches in Christ Jesus ; 
in him are found all the treasures of the wisdom 
and knowledge of God, all consolation and felcity, 
so that all the afflictions of the present time are 
nothing in comparison of the glory which a per- 
son even here frequently perceives in the spirit, 
and which shall be hereafter revealed, and which 
I, poor and unworthy being, have often tasted 
and experienced through grace. Amen, hallelu- 



360 * APPENDIX, 

jah, salvation and praise be unto him that was, 
and is, and liveth forever and ever. 

I will now conclude ; and I desire the candid 
reader to receive from me, in the spirit of charity, 
this confession of my illumination, conversion and 
vocation, and consider it in a proper light ; for, 
as the Lord knows, I seek no honor by it, but 
have made it entirely for the reasons above men- 
tioned. Him that feareth God consider thou. 

J. H.. 



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